Art Museum Paper

Hopi Rainbow Maiden Katsina 1950’s and

Statuettes of two worshippers from the Square Temple of Eshnunna , 2700 BCE

Both objects were created with religious intentions in mind; the Katsina dolls in Hopi

mythology are used to teach children, more specifically young girls about their religion. The

statues are from the Sumerian religion were found in the temple of Eshnunna. These statues

act as substitute worshippers offering prayers to the deity. In order to create these pieces the

technique used for both was a subtractive method, carving in the round, into the medium until the

form wanted was reached. Both figures take human form, adorned with clothing representative

of the time period. Both tokens were painted on, to add more likeness to the objects.

The Katsina doll are made of cotton wood its face is covered with a white paint, it looks

as if it maybe a mask, on top its head is a very elaborate and colorful head piece with protruding

ray like forms which at each ends have feathers. The material used for the statues is gypsum

inlaid with shell for the eyes and black limestone. The size of the icons differ the Katsina dolls

are approx. 8 inches whereas the statues are 30 inches. The human likeness also differs I would

say statues have a softer , more natural representation than the Katsina dolls which are a bit more

Eros 1st century (Roman Empire 31 BCE – 4th century) and

Landscape with swallows, 1650 BCE

The statue of Eros is a tender depiction of a young child who to the Greeks personified love.

During the Helenistic period they were used to honor the gods. The Greek statue Eros, is a

sculpture made of marble that has been carved in the round using the subtractive method. The

statue of cupid, signified love, they were placed throughout Greece to be honored and remind

the people of their deities and the role they played in their lives. Some were placed in temples

The landscape with swallows is Minoan....