Funerary art

Definition

Funerary art refers to the artistic creations associated with burial practices, designed to honor and commemorate the deceased while also aiding in their journey to the afterlife. This form of art encompasses a wide range of objects, including tombs, sculptures, pottery, and paintings, which serve both functional and symbolic purposes in rituals surrounding death. In the context of the Terracotta Army, funerary art takes on significant meaning as it reflects beliefs about the afterlife and the desire for the deceased to be accompanied by protective figures in their eternal rest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Terracotta Army was created during the reign of Qin Shi Huang in the 3rd century BCE and is one of the most famous examples of funerary art in Chinese history.
2. Each soldier in the Terracotta Army is unique, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail intended to represent real warriors accompanying the emperor into the afterlife.
3. The purpose of funerary art, particularly seen in the Terracotta Army, was to ensure that the deceased would be protected and served in the afterlife by their likenesses.
4. The discovery of the Terracotta Army in 1974 highlighted the importance of funerary practices in ancient China and how they reflect societal beliefs about death and immortality.
5. Funerary art, like the Terracotta Army, often includes symbolic elements that showcase power, status, and the connection between life and death within ancient cultures.

Review Questions

• How does funerary art serve to reflect societal beliefs about death and the afterlife?
  • Funerary art serves as a reflection of societal beliefs about death and the afterlife by embodying cultural values and practices related to mortality. In ancient China, works like the Terracotta Army illustrate a deep reverence for ancestors and the importance of providing for them in their next life. The intricately crafted figures were intended not only to protect but also to accompany the deceased emperor into the afterlife, showcasing a society that believed in an existence beyond death.
• Discuss the significance of individuality in funerary art using examples from the Terracotta Army.
  • The significance of individuality in funerary art is exemplified by the Terracotta Army, where each soldier is uniquely crafted with distinct facial features and expressions. This attention to detail reflects a belief in representing real individuals who would serve their emperor in death as they did in life. The variations among figures highlight how funerary art was used to honor not only the emperor but also his warriors as individual beings with their own identities, ensuring they would continue to play roles in an afterlife.
• Evaluate how funerary art like the Terracotta Army contributes to our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization's values regarding power and mortality.
  • Funerary art such as the Terracotta Army contributes significantly to our understanding of ancient Chinese civilization's values regarding power and mortality by illustrating how deeply intertwined these concepts were. The monumental scale and craftsmanship demonstrate not only wealth but also a belief that one’s status continued even after death. The army symbolizes a ruler’s control over life and death, reinforcing his power while simultaneously showcasing cultural practices that emphasize respect for ancestors and a structured approach to mortality through elaborate burial customs.

Related terms

tomb: A structure or space designated for burial, often adorned with various artworks and inscriptions to honor the deceased.

ancestor worship: A religious practice that involves honoring deceased relatives, reflecting the belief in their ongoing influence and presence in the lives of the living.

burial goods: Items placed in a grave or tomb with the deceased, intended to provide comfort or utility in the afterlife.