Overview
Sometimes, art is used to communicate cultural knowledge and beliefs in a way that words struggle to express accurately.
To prepare:
Read Chapter 10 of the Introduction to Art e-book
Explore the Chauvet Cave self-tour Chauvet Cave video self-tour
Ancient Sufi Dance: Rumi’s Whirling Dervishes
In a 2- to 3-page reflection (350–450 words):
Discuss your experiences taking the virtual tour of the Chauvet cave. What types of cultural information, beliefs, or traditions did ancient people express through cave art?
Describe the whirling dervish. What cultural information, beliefs, or traditions are expressed through performing the whirling dervish?
Do you feel that this cultural knowledge could be communicated as effectively through written or spoken language? Why or why not?
Note: Connect your ideas to the textbook by referring to a concept or using terms from this week’s reading. Clearly identify any reference you make.