HIST 134 Virtual Archaeological Dig

1. Introduction: The cultural theme that I chose for my dig was art. This
was because I am currently taking an art history class and am very
interested in the different art that has been found from different time
periods. I think that art is a very important part to each time period
because each culture is very distinct and as a result, the artwork tells a
story. We can associate a particular type of artwork with a culture and I
think that its very interesting to see the different types of art that
come from each culture. We can learn a lot about the daily life and
customs of a particular culture through their art and I think thats a big
reason why I find it so interesting. After reading the learning modules, I
have learned that art was an importance part of the history of every
culture.
2. Artifacts:
a. Votive Bowl (26002350 BCE) - This bowl was used to carry
offerings during religious ceremonies and other events. What
differentiates it from a normal bowl is the decorative patterns
and engraving that are found on the sides. I think that this
artifact is able to tell us a lot of the artwork of the time period in
which it was found in. We can learn that it was custom for people
to engrave and decorate bowl for ceremonies and events. Using
the pictures and engravings we are able to understand what time
period it is from and different techniques used.

b. Vessel Stand (2600-2350 BCE) The particular type of stand was

also used for religious ceremonies as people would place
offerings on the stand, either in a bowl or a box. This artifact
shows the importance of art in regards to religion. The vessel
stand was an important part of religious ceremonies and this

proves that art played an important role in religion for the people

of this time.
c. Relief of Soldiers (668-627 BCE) This picture shows describes a
scene of soldiers that are taking captives in a boat as was used
as a recording of historical events and simply as a piece of art. I
think that it is important to note how the relief plays a dual role.
It tells an important piece of history and is also used as
decoration.

d. Banquet Scene (2600-2500 BCE) This particular scene

portrayed guests and servants at a banquet. It was created on a
clay tablet. Similar to the relief mentioned above it was used
both as artwork as well as a recording of historical events. Again,
I think that its very important that this artifact plays a dual role.
The techniques used and scene tell us a lot of information about
the that culture at that time.

e. Vessel (2600-2350 BCE) This vessel was a work of art as well as

a functional vessel that had a bowl which could carry wine, oil, or
perfume in religious ceremonies. This particular vessel had a
detailed carving of a young girl. This tells us the importance of
art in ceremonies. The certain engravings also teach us about
certain techniques and subjects that were used in art during this
time.

f. Statuette of Lama (1307-1282 BCE) This was a sculpture of a

Lama who was known to be the goddess of protection for
warriors and citizens. It was used as an idol that could be
worshiped and people prayed to it whenever they desired
protection. This artifact was a piece of artwork that people used
daily. Its a pictorial representation of the goddess Lama. This is

important because it shows us that the art techniques of that

culture and time period.