Cultures use architecture and art to design and designate what places are considered sacred by incorporating symbols to convey a specific meaning. The Hagia Sophia as well as The Dance of Shiva are examples of using symbols to convey sacred meanings. Symbols are mainly used to convey underlying religious meanings throughout art. The symbols inspired by these religious stories is what makes certain works of art sacred in certain cultures.
The Hagia Sophia was originally a Christian church located in Instanbul. Erected during 532-537 was designed specifically for Christian ideals. The religious symbols within the architecture of the Hagia Sophia are more subtle than those of stained glass biblical scenes in other cultures. The architect included Christian ideals throughout its architecture, such as; three for the trinity, five for the wounds of Christ, and twelve to symbolize the twelve apostles of Christ. Each semi-dome includes five windows, each of which has three smaller semi-domes with five windows as well, resulting in three apses. Both the north and south ends of the Hagia Sophia have five arches along the side aisles as well as seven arches in the galleries overhead. Twelve windows also complete each lunnette. Although these symbols are only noticeable to people who know the biblical stories, the Hagia Sophia was once a church fellied with sacred symbols to the Christian faith.
The Dance of Shiva is also a very symbolistic sculpture within the Hindu religion. The sculpture of the Hindu God, Shiva, dancing is far less subtle than the Hagia Sophia. Shiva is posed standing on top of a dwarf who symbolizes the state of "becoming", by standing on top of the dwarf this symbolizes Shiva's control of the state of becoming. Shiva is also holding a ball of fire while being encircled by fire, signifying destruction of the universe but also symbolizes how ego-centered humans are. Shiva is holding a drum in yet another hand which symbolizes the constant rhythm of creation and destruction. This particular sculpture of Shiva shines a light into the ideals of the Hindu religion and what is considered to be most sacred.
Symbolism plays a large role in presenting sacred meanings in art and architecture in various cultures. The Dance of Shiva as well as The Hagia Sophia use symbolism to express religious values and meanings. These objects hold sacred meaning simply for their religious meanings expressed through symbolism.
Hey McKenzie! For the second paragraph, becaue numbers are the main significance I think maybe a statement along the lines of, "These strong symbols were hidden behind numerical clues....." Also, when you say, "these symbols are only noticeable to people who know the biblical stories," you can just say they were biblical allusions. Or better yet you can combine the two. The evidence chosen for the Shiva statue is really strong just that in the first sentence, "symbolistic" is not a word lol.. its just symbolic :) (sorry, I get kinda OCD about this hahaha.)
ReplyDeleteOh yeah and like you said in my feedback, you could include the architectural aspects like the halo.
ReplyDeleteThe Dance of the Shiva is really significant in representing the Hindu culture. I like how you included the segment about the symbolism because some people overlook that when looking at pieces that are associated with sacred spaces. The Hagia Sophia is a popular choice for the sacred space essay but each essay so far has included some different elements to it each to their own interpretations. Biblical stories is included as part of the culture and it's important that you mentioned it.
ReplyDelete