The Dance Of Iva

In about 25 BC tribesmen of the kingdom of Meroe placed a bronze head of Augustus, cut from a full-length statue, beneath the steps of a temple of victory: the decapitated head of the Emperor was thus regularly trampled underfoot. Two millennia later, during the second Gulf War, Iraqis 'insulted' a toppled bronze statue of Saddam Hussein by beating it with their shoes. Do these chronologically distant but apparently related examples of the defamation of images imply that the persons represented were regarded by their detractors as in some way 'present' in the images? Presence: The Inherence of the Prototype within Images and Other Objects reconsiders the notion of 'presence' in objects. The first book to address the issue directly, it contains a series of case studies covering a broad geographical and chronological range from ancient Greece and the Incas to industrial America and contemporary India, as well as examples from the canon of western European art. The studies reveal the widespread evidence for this striking form of response and allow readers to see how 'presence' is evoked and either embraced or repressed in differing historical and cultural contexts. Featuring a variety of disciplines and approaches, the book will be of interest to students of art history, art theory, visual culture, anthropology, psychology and philosophy.

Dance Ethnography and Global Perspectives presents the work of dance scholars whose professional fieldwork spans several continents and includes studies of the dance and movement systems of varied global communities.

A fascinating study from a modern feminist perspective of an androgynous Hindu god in Indian culture.

India in Primitive Christianity by Arthur Lillie: Unearth the historical connections between India and early Christianity with "India in Primitive Christianity." Arthur Lillie uncovers compelling evidence and parallels that link the ancient traditions of India with the early Christian movement. The book offers a fascinating exploration of cultural exchanges and spiritual influences, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of early Christian history. Key Aspects of the Book "India in Primitive Christianity": Cultural Intersections: "India in Primitive Christianity" delves into the intriguing cultural intersections between ancient India and early Christian beliefs and practices. Historical Revelations: The book presents compelling evidence of historical connections and exchanges between Indian spiritual traditions and the rise of Christianity. Interfaith Dialogue: Lillie's exploration encourages readers to engage in interfaith dialogue and appreciate the shared spiritual heritage of diverse cultures. Arthur Lillie was a respected historian and writer whose works focused on historical and cultural connections between different civilizations. Born in the late 19th century, Lillie's fascination with cultural exchanges led him to study the interplay between ancient Indian traditions and early Christianity. In "India in Primitive Christianity," Lillie presents a compelling case that highlights the influence of Indian thought on the nascent Christian movement, fostering a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of human history and spirituality. His contributions to historical research continue to inspire scholars and curious minds alike.

Devotion is a category of expression in many of the world’s religious traditions. This book looks at issues involved in academically interpreting religious devotion, as well as exploring the interpretations of religious devotion made by a sixth century poet, a twelfth century biographer, and present-day festival publics. The book focuses on the female poet-saint Kāraikkāl Ammaiyār, whose poetry is devotional in nature. It discusses the biography written on the poet six centuries after her lifetime, and suggests ways of interpreting Kāraikkāl Ammaiyār’s poetry without using the categories and events promoted by her biographer, in order to engage her own thoughts as they are communicated through the poetry attributed to her. In the same way that the biographer made the poet ‘speak’ to his present day, the book looks at how festivals held today make both the poetry and the biography relevant to the present day. By discussing how poetry, story and festival provide distinctive yet overlapping interpretations of the saint, this book reveals the selections and priorities of interpreters in the making of a living tradition. It is an accessible contribution to students and scholars of religion, Indian history and women’s studies.