Chapter 7 Reading Comprehension
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Bow Valley College, Calgary *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
20
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by GrandMusic4173
Aboriginal Studies 10
Chapter 7: Symbolism and Expression
What you need to learn:
that ceremonies have strong spiritual and social significance
about different Aboriginal art forms, oral traditions, and literature
how to interrupt and recognize significant oral symbolism and expression Read Pages 210-211
What prompted Dumont to write her a poem?
Answer:
Marilyn Dumont wrote this poem because she was afraid that her culture would disappear one day as a result of Metis people who become assimilated into non-Aboriginal cultures. She wondered where Metis people fit within Canadian culture. What conclusion does Dumont reach?
Answer:
Even though she does not want to admit it, but she is convinced that her descendants will adopt the Canadian culture and the Metis culture will be forgotten gradually. Consider your own family traditions. What traditions would you want your children to keep? How important is it to you that these traditions live on?
Answer:
As far as I am concerned there is nothing more important for me than religion. Even though both religion and culture are interconnected, I give more importance to my religion, and I want my children to be Muslim. I don’t want them to embrace any other religion. I make every effort in order to teach them Islam although when they go to school sometimes, they are exposed to another environment. As an example, both culture and Islam forbid intimate relationships until marriage. I always try to teach my daughters that boyfriends are not allowed. There is something called marriage, and until then no kisses or touches are allowed. Because women in Islam need to wear scarves and large clothes as soon as they have their periods, I started teaching them that before that day came, so that they are aware that they need to do that. I am proud both my 12 and 11 years daughters started wearing scarves without any difficulties. Read pages 212-224
Explain the connections between spirituality and traditional forms of creative expression. Answer:
People of all cultures express great pleasure in the act of creating art. This is explained by the fact that moments of creation draw them closer to the creator or another spiritual force. The act of creating something beautiful can be a spiritual pursuit, like a prayer. For instance, using the earth’s gifts to create beauty honors Mother earth’s beauty.
Aboriginal Studies 10
Why do people use symbols? How are symbols used in traditional artwork by Aboriginal peoples?
Answer:
Symbols
facilitate discussion, allowing different perceptions to connect within one similar set of knowledge. They also take on a life of their own, especially when comparing how the same
“symbol” can mean radically different things for different cultural groups. Symbols are everywhere in modern society - from emojis and advertising, to religious symbols and road signs, these markings
provide us with context, directions and meaning.
Aboriginal peoples have many traditional symbols that reflect their spirituality and relationship with the environment. Every object from clothing to buffalo hides covering tipis to ceremonial tobacco pipes was adorned with symbolic designs. These designs made the objects beautiful and told stories. Symbols were used to represent spiritual journeys, important events, and accomplishments of the people who created them. Give an example of a symbol found in different forms of Aboriginal creative expression and explain its significance.
Answer:
The circle is found in many aboriginal expressions, and it represents the interconnectedness of all aspect of life. Describe how dance, music, and performance helped build community in traditional societies. How does this compare to their role today?
Answer:
Songs, music, and dance were important forms of communication for traditional societies. They bring people together for ceremony and celebration. Some scared songs could only be passed down by certain clans, societies, and families. Music and dance were a way for traditional societies to connect with others and build relationships.
Today, music and dance have the same influence on people, and they also help in building communities as it was before. They expand social and cultural interaction and provide an overall community feeling of well-being and togetherness
.
Read pages 225-233
In what ways does contemporary Aboriginal literature draw upon oral traditions?
Answer:
Aboriginal literature has been called old because it continues to be influenced by oral traditions. Stories, prayers, and songs are translated into English and written down make up a
significant part of contemporary Aboriginal literature. Many techniques and symbolism used by authors reflect upon the techniques of oral traditions. As am example, many poets repeat the traditional rhythm of their ancestors’ songs and dances.
Many authors use Aboriginal languages in their work, which affirms the words of oral
Aboriginal Studies 10
tradition and maintains the use of their ancestral languages. What are common themes in Aboriginal literature? Explain each in a sentence or two. Answer:
Nature is one of the most common themes in Aboriginal literature. First Nations are known for their close connection to nature and surroundings. They respect nature profoundly because it simply gave them life and fed them. Religion is also very common in Aboriginal literature. First Nations people have a certain spiritual life that is connected to the creator. They believe profoundly in the presence of a creator and they demonstrate that by the ceremonies held to make prayers and worship the creator. Choose ONE of the following TWO questions to answer in developed responses:
Choose an Aboriginal artist and write a biography outlining his or her life and work. What do you appreciate about their work and what aspects of the work puzzle you. OR
Read the statement on page 235 by Kakisketa, the narrator of a book called “The Art of the Nehiyawak.” Explain in a paragraph how her statement relates traditional forms of expression to First Nations spirituality. Answer:
Robert Boyer was a Canadian visual artist. He was born on July 20
th
, 1948 in Saskatchewan where he grew up. He was a Metis Cree and was known for his political orientation demonstrated on his paintings. He earned a BEd from the Regina Campus of The University of
Saskatchewan in 1971. In 1973, Robert Boyer joined the Saskatchewan arts community and worked on community programming at the
Norman MacKenzie Art Gallery. He worked as a professor of Indian Fine Arts until 1997 (1). At the beginning of his career, most of his paintings were realistic, then he started incorporating the abstract style to his work.
Boyer painted about the wrong Europeans have done to Aboriginal peoples, but he later switched to things about the Aboriginal culture and the meaning of life. Boyer called all of this 'Blanket Statements'.
Boyer's influences from aboriginal art traditions are obvious, but he was also influenced by local Saskatchewan artists such as
Ted Godwin
and Art McKay of the
Regina Five
, and to a lesser extent
Joe Fafard
. As a university professor and elder, Boyer mentored many young aboriginal and non-aboriginal artists (1).
One of Boyer's larger works is the Carousel of Life mural, painted on the exterior west wall of the building located at 2941-13th Avenue in the
Cathedral district of Regina
, which is adjacent to the 13th Avenue Canada Safeway grocery store. It depicts four horses framed by one of Boyer's blankets. It was commissioned by the Cathedral Area Community Association
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Aboriginal Studies 10
in 1996, as part of the annual arts festival (1).
Boyer died in 2004.
(1)
Robert Boyer (artist) - Wikipedia
Bob Boyer Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Bob Boyer Art Value Price Guide (invaluable.com)
Robert Boyer was well known for the use of geometric figures in his paintings, and this is what I find so intriguing about his art. I find it quite challenging to depict the messages through these designs. Unless you are familiar with the symbols used in the Aboriginal culture (Metis precisely), it would be difficult to understand the messages behind Robert’s paintings.