Reading Comprehension 2 for IAR222

1.) Hersey describes a grammar for Greek architectural elements based on the idea of sacrifice. SPECULATE about the validity of his argument based on what you know about Greek design and the evidence (both visual and written) he provides.

Hersey poses a strong argument about the sacrificial practices having the main impact on Greek architecture. However religion does pull a strong load in any society or culture. Every society is looking for some higher power to prove themselves to, especially the Greek.
The architecture pictured in the image of the column is an example. In reading page 23 of the Hersey document, it states that the most sacrificial part of a column is the head. It also goes on to say that Ionic and Corinthian capitals are dressed with head garlands representing the plants and the animals used during the ceremony. The plants are clearly represented, but the animal (the bull) is more abstractly symbolized with the twisted locks.
In the other image is it apparent that animals maintain a dominant role in the Greek culture. In depicting that the animal is larger than the human, it symbolizes the holistic affect that animals carry.

2.) Meant in jest, Macaulay shapes a world of the future in which the main character claims meanings for archeological evidence uncovered at the Motel of the Mysteries. EXTRACT what you believe to be the lesson of mis-interpreting evidence and link that lesson to the real world phenomenon of the internet. In other words, EXPLAIN how you might avoid such a blunder as mis-reading evidence when you use the web as your major information source.

When a Macaulay first wrongly interpreted the first piece of evidence, he became so headstrong on thinking it was one thing when actually it was another. Tunnel vision so to speak. He began to manipulate everything he found into fitting into this theory before he weighed out all basic hypotheses.  The internet is a prime example of misinterpretation. Anyone can put anything they want on the web. Take Wikipedia for a great example. It comes up usually as the second or third link when you search something. And while some of the information is correct, not all of it is. Any person can login to the website and manipulate the page. It is true for many websites, especially personally made websites. When searching for information, in order to obtain correct data, a valid resources must be found. It is important to search an accredited site such as NCWISE OWL or something to that nature.
If archeologist found a site of ancient Egyptian remains, they would first gather all the information, look at the resources they have already collected from that era and then propose multiple hypotheses to eventually develop into a theory. While they may have some clue to what it may be, they first have to weight out all possibilities.
Research is a vital role in completing any task on the internet. Wether it is buying a book sack on Ebay or researching for an Iarc project a person must look around and weigh out the possibilities that some of the information is false.

3.) The funerary temple design of Queen Hatshepsut speaks a very different design language than the pyramidal forms for other pharaohs. From your readings and the ideas addressed in class, RECOUNT possible reasons why Queen Hatshepsut used this building form.
 

 

Hatshepsut was a very strong pharaoh there is no doubt about that, but she was a female. Therefore, she had to stand out in her dominance. While her tomb still posses the same characteristics as the other pharaohs by using stacking, repetition and stone, her location is quite different from the others. Other pharaohs like the ones that created the pyramids made it a point to stand out amongst the world. Their use in limestone also glorified their temple, allowing it to shine and give the illusion of a mirage in the desert. Hatshepsut did exactly the opposite. Her temple was constructed in the side of a mountain, thus making her a part of her surroundings. She also used horizontal stacking as opposed to a more vertical approach.
She also made her entrance way known by using a ramp like method. Her temple was also created after her death instead of during her reign like most.
Hatshepsut is applauded for uniting all of Egypt that was once separated into three parts: upper, middle, and lower. So I often wonder if she united herself with the land around her instead of making a dramatic appearance in the desert so that the people would feel as it she wasn’t trying to boast about her reign and to been seen as a more peer like figure. However, I am not taking away from her that her temple isn’t a marvel. Her approach to architecture is a more subtle form than other pharaohs.
But then again I also often wonder if she didn’t create a high point atop of her temple to silently suggest that she was “as good” as the gods. Just something to ponder.


4.)  Although some evidence suggests links between the Egyptian and Greek civilizations, and some building forms and details provide support for that linkage, the two societies produced design responses in great contrast to one another. Select a building type (house, tomb, or temple) from each culture and ELUCIDATE similarities and differences in the two forms over time. Provide an annotated illustration for each selected type. 

 

The image on the left is of the Hypostyle Hall constructed in Egypt, the image on the left is of the Parthenon in Greece. The Parthenon was constructed after the Hypostyle Hall.
The Hypostyle was constructed around the basis of power and religion. The extreme size of the building immediately sends off the vibe that this hall was a dominant part of the Egyptian society. It was also a place of worship. The building’s interior possessed a strong religious experience when walking in due to it’s manipulation of natural light through clerestory windows as well as the narrow walkways and high ceilings. However, not all people could walk inside the hall. Only high priests and pharaohs were allowed to enter.
The same is true for the Parthenon. Inside the structure was a huge statue in honor of the goddess Athena. There is some speculation on the exact amount of light that was let in through clerestory-like windows because of so much erosion. Other than those possible windows, the only other natural light in the building can when the entrance door was opened allowing the vast golden statue to provide a phenomenal glow. However, much like the Hypostyle Hall, the commoners of the time couldn’t enter.
Both buildings also force the viewer to progress on an axis.
In addition, both structures are formed mainly on the basis of of colonnades. While they may differ at the head, the overall shape is very similar. However, it is clear to see that the Greeks were more about the perfection of the building and the correct position, whereas the Egyptians were about celebrating the life around them. The Hypostyle Hall’s columns are designed around the lotus plant found near the Nile, and the Parthenon is designed solely for the purpose of celebrating Athena.

5.) Harwood shows examples of Egyptian furniture on pp. 60-61. HYPOTHESIZE about the lightweight nature of Egyptian furniture when compared to tomb architecture, as at the Pyramids of Giza, which many characterize as massive and heavy.

 

The furniture during the Egyptian time was very light weight especially compared to the pyramids. Both used simple shapes, but they way they are composed is what has a major effect on the way people view them. For instance, the Furniture in the images are predominantly hollow forms. And while they do have some detail, they are not over done by any means. There are also no harsh lines, only smooth, curved surfaces.
Opposite that are the Pyramids of Giza. They are somewhat hollow forms yes, but the viewer can’t see that first hand. They also use very bold angles and a great deal of precision. While it is known that they were once covered in limestone and adorned with hieroglyphics becoming an more gaudy object.
Both the furniture and the pyramids can be traced back to the sacrificial religious practices of the Egyptians. During these ceremonies, animals were used as the sacrifice to the gods. Flowers and fruits were used in the celebration as well.But more so, the sacrifice’ s remains are the main focus. The remains of any animal or human went through a process in which the bones were separated from the body as well as the organs. Each body part went through a sacred system. While the furniture is a celebration in honor of these sacrifices, the place in which they are buried in the hope of coming back to life once again took dominance. Therefore, it bares a much heavier meaning.

6.) Based on a careful reading of the visual evidence in these two images, DRAW OUT an explanation of design and gender roles as you see both depicted. As this language of urns represents essentially one of the main ways we know about Grecian culture, COMMENT on the validity of such a practice of reading evidence.

 

It is apparent more in the black and white urn that women played a catering role more so than a dominant role that the men did in Grecian culture. Looking closer at both, it is shown that the women are waiting on the men. While the men sit in their seat the women are bringing them things. The women are also depicted in a proper posture while the male figures are slouched in their chair. The dress of the male is also close to naked in one and completely nude in the other, meanwhile the woman is covered. With this being stated, it  symbolizes that the males of Grecian culture are free to do practically whatever they would like while the females have to withhold an appropriate demeanor.