Thursday, October 12, 2006

A Genius

The Ancient Near-Eastern period of our history marks a very large basic change in the way human culture has evolved. At the same time, growth of its people and cities had definite improvement on urban society, which has continued to prevail through the years as a major influence over our evolvement. The Artwork which was found from that period directly reflects that change and evolvement. But Better soil, water accessibility, and easier means of trade with other civilizations provided the fabric for this new change. The Pieces uncovered by archeologists such as wall relief, vases, coins, statues, and jewelry, really show a sophisticated society unlike any seen before its time. One can only imagine what type of people curled in ancient Mesopotamia, also known as the “Fertile Crescent”. Through out its villages and cities the Ancient Near Eastern people began to colonize and thus spark the first system of hierarchy. The Priests and kings held the rite to the land and the people worshiped it!
The Palaces in this time of government were adorned with great splendor. And also the grandiose statues and intricate wall reliefs gave them life. One piece in one of the particular shows Assyria’s vision of worship and hierarchy. This piece may really pulls its viewer in making them evaluate the difference between life then and life now, as should all ancient artifacts should. The Facial expressions are limited to his profile. This way of representation of the power and wisdom is very interesting considering the attributes given to the genius to achieve this knowledge and strength; Jewelry, a distinguishing beard, and hair; a large headdress with three protruding horns; Broad shoulders with wings attached. The Lost Mesopotamia: the mighty Kings. Towards his enemies, the King was heartless. He was portraying upon himself and his kingdom, artistic representation was viewed with great awe and power due to these over-exaggerated styles.

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