In Chapter 3 Layton begins to explore Australian Aboriginal art and its link to religion. Through studies of Australian Aboriginal peoples Durkheim coined the term totemism (which links and organizes the animals and natural world). He noticed that two things that were similar, but at the same time very different, was also noticed by these groups of people, and they found importance in them. Having dual oppositions (such as day and night or sun and moon) gave a division to a society. Each totem has significance to a specific group of people, when looking at this on a larger scale Durkheim and Levi-Strauss were able to see that each group had a specific identity within the wider society. Tribes would create figurative representations on ceremonial objects which would represent their beliefs. Different objects have different meanings, and depending what art is created on them that may also alter the meaning/power of a piece. Durkheim believed that the symbols created in Australian Aboriginal art was created with a ‘sense of power’. Since the art is heavy with geometric forms such as arcs, triangles, dots, circles, and straight lines this would be a depiction of a totemic relationship, not necessarily a recreation of a plant or animal.
Each clan within the Yolngu people, from South America, uses a particular design that is unique to each clan. With each clan using a different design (including semi-circles, and diamonds), these designs may also be used during ceremonial practices when members paint their bodies, this is a depiction of a totemic ancestor. The Yolngu people display different experiences that are particular to their culture within their art. During funerals certain imagery is expressed in painting. This is similar to what we saw in the Waiting for Harry film. The art that is done during rituals such as a funeral are not just depictions, that hold significant ritual power that is very important to the culture.
Through these examples we can see that art is vital in spiritual experiences. It incorporates animals and other symbols within a culture. Art can provide us with visual evidence of a culture and how they interpret the world around them.
I thought his discussion of symbolism was really interesting around this part. He talks about how it isn't to much the thing itself as the power or symbolism it holds as a sacred item. That basically IS the definition of making special...so religion IS art in some degree, whether there are actually artistic representations of things or more abstract representations. I actually think religious art is one of the most powerful forms of art.
ReplyDeleteI, along with Emma, found the discussion on symbolism interesting. I think most people can agree that the thing itself doesn't hold as much meaning as the power it holds as a sacred item, but I do think that aspect is greatly looked over in "developed" societies. Westerners tend to hold material things dear because of what they are, not necessarily what they represent or mean.
ReplyDeleteArt is meaningless without a culture to interoperate it through.
ReplyDeleteArt and religion are more then vital, its inseparable. Religion/Spirituality cannot exist without art. There is absolutely no way of expressing spiritual ideas except though art because they lack a physical form. Any expression of it in the physical is a metaphor, every reference an extension upon reality. If we were not capable of art, we would not be able to think in terms of spirality.