an ordinary ethnography

• 2012-09-18 76 notes

  

  gibsart:

  Sunken Moai

  (via ljspillowbook)

  Source: pour15minutesdamour.blogspot.com

• 2012-04-26 58 notes

  

  centuriespast:

  Haniwa Figure
  ARTIST:Kofun
  DATE:Kofun period

  around 250 to 538

  
  

  During the Kofun period, huge burial mounds were constructed for powerful clan leaders. Clay cylinders and figures, known as haniwa, were placed around the periphery of the mound to signify the sanctity of the area. This female figure wears a necklace of magatama, claw- or fang-shaped jewels of special talismanic power. There are also traces of red pigment on her cheeks, indicating tattoos or ceremonial face-paint. Judging from other examples (see illustration), she would have worn a wide, flat hairdo which extended over her forehead. She also once held a cup with her broken right arm - another indication that she was responsible for formulating medicinal or magical potions. It is likely, therefore, that she represents a shaman, a respected position in early Japanese society.

  The Minneapolis Institute of Arts

  (via crystalbluepersuasion)

  Source: artsmia.org

• 2012-04-18 475 notes

  Archaeological News: Rare Ancient Statue Depicts Topless Female Gladiator

  archaeologicalnews:

  

  A small bronze statue dating back nearly 2,000 years may be that of a female gladiator, a victorious one at that, suggests a new study.

  If confirmed the statue would represent only the second depiction of a woman gladiator known to exist.

  The gladiator statue shows a topless woman, wearing…

  Source: archaeologicalnews

• 2011-08-30 904 notes

  

  theancientworld:

  Statuette of Osiris sitting.
  Late Period, circa 664 - 332 BCE
  Bronze with gold incrustations

  Source: theancientworld