University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

.

. A S I A .

The Magic of Jade -- East and West Jade has been cherished and traded across long distances from prehistoric times to the present, not only in China, but also by the Maya in Central America and the aboriginal Maori people of New Zealand. Legends and lore connected with this beautiful stone will be presented, slides of archaeological and more recent jade artifacts will be shown, and a few examples will be available for handling--because part of the specialness of jade is in its feel as well as its visual beauty. Ms. Jean Adelman

Archaeology and Violence Ms. Rizvi will discuss the intersection of archaeology, politics, religion and history in   contemporary Indian Society.  She will share her recent experiences with archaeological excavations and research in India and Pakistan. She will critically evaluate how archaeology influences, and is influenced by, politics on the Indian subcontinent and how some types of research and interpretations, in extreme cases, can lead to violence. Uzma Z. Rizvi

India: Past in Present Learn how different people who ruled over India have influenced the present day society; from the Indus Valley Civilization to the present. Does the caste system still exist? Who introduced caste system in India and why? Learn about art and architecture left behind by the muslim rulers. Visit this exotic country through the slide presentation and enjoy the diversity through a fashion show, folk dances, music, and festivals. Ms. Prema Deshmukh

Culture of India Individual states of India have different food, clothing styles, language, and folkdances ... it is like travelling from one country to another. Experience this diversity through a fashion show, folk dances, music, festivals and more. (Presentation on art projects and stories for children available on request.) Ms. Prema Deshmuk

Asian Theater A survey of traditional dance and drama of India, Indonesia and Japan is presented in light of the myths, origins, and practices of these colorful forms. An hour lecture program with slides of costumes; masks and make-up, and tapes of musical accompaniment provide a meaningful exploration of theater that is having a growing impact on Western drama. Mr. Steve Abrams

Exploring Southeast Asia The exotic and diverse peoples and cultures of Southeast Asia will be explored in depth in this series of nine lectures. Topics include: archaeology, ethnography, ancient cities, crafts, and religion. Ongoing research by Dr. White will also be presented. Judy Volker The following titles are recommended for presentation in series form, but can be presented individually: Southeast Asia: Before Buddhism and Siva Ban Chaing, Discovery of an Early Bronze Age Site Ceramics of Thailand: Prehistoric to Modern The Cradle of Rice Agriculture The Ancient Bronze Working Tradition of Southeast Asia Everyday Life in a Thai Village Buddhism and Spirit Cults of Thailand Ancient Civilizations in Southeast Asia Understanding Our New Southeast Asian Neighbors

The Marked Body: The Human Body in Asian Culture This slide lecture presents Asian ideas in which the body was disposable, and an envelope for soul to evolve to a higher spiritual state. The body was essential for this progress, and it reflected the inner state of the soul or spirit. Often the bodies of especially holy people carried marks as signs of their high achievement. The normal body contained physical centers, or “chakras,” through which energy was drawn to control the body and to achieve a higher spiritual state. In other parts of Asia, healthy bodies were believed to have their internal elements, chi, or humors, in balance. After death, the body was burned so that the soul would search for the new body it merited through its actions. With illustrations from sculpture, paintings and manuscripts. Dr. Jill Furst

outreach lecture program | museum homepage