LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

Arts 8, Quarter 3, Week 1

Southeast Asian Arts

Objectives

After going through this LAS, you are expected to:

1. analyzes elements and principles of art in the production of arts and crafts inspired
by the cultures of Southeast Asia temples;
2. identify characteristics of arts and crafts in specific countries in Southeast Asia;
3. reflect on and derive the mood, idea, or message from selected artifacts and art
objects;
4. appreciate the artifacts and art objects in terms of their utilization and their distinct
use of art elements and principles; and
5. incorporate the design, form, and spirit of Southeast Asian artifacts and objects in
one’s creation.

Lesson

INTRODUCING THE ARTS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

In this quarter, you will learn about South Asia and their artworks and distinguish its
similarities and differences with the arts of the other regions in Asia.

South Asia is a relatively flat region bordered by steep mountain ranges. It can be
divided into a main portion (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh), an island (Sri Lanka), and two
countries perched in the Himalayas (Nepal and Bhutan).

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 South Asia being one of the large regions of the world features a shared cultural
foundation, the Indian culture. (In historical discussion, "India" often denotes all of South
Asia, not just the region of modern India.)

Pre-modern South Asian history can be divided into four parts. Civilized life in this
region began with the Indus civilization. With the collapse of Indus society, a non-urban
period ensued, during which the Indic people arrived in South Asia and proceeded to
develop Indian culture. As Indian culture emerged, the Indic people became the Indian
people.

With the rise of Indian cities, Indian civilization flourished independently. Then came
a period of Islamic domination, during which Islamic states (established by invaders from
Central Asia) controlled much of South Asia.

Arts of South Asia

A. Indus Civilization Art

Little art survives from the Indus civilization; most is small sculpture. Perhaps the most
famous aesthetic remnants of the Indus civilization are soapstone seals.

Soapstone seals
shorturl.at/amzPW

The two largest settlements of the Indus civilization were Mohenjo-Daro and
Harappa. While the ruins of these cities are renowned for their carefully-planned layouts,
little survives of their buildings.

Ruins of Mohenjo Daro

shorturl.at/yBCSX

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 B. Buddhist Architecture
India gave rise to three major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. During the
first half of the Indian kingdom age (ca. 500 BC-1200 AD), Buddhism and Hinduism vied for
religious dominance of India. Buddhism then fell into decline, leaving Hinduism the dominant
faith of India by far (which remains today). Meanwhile, Jainism has always flourished as a
significant minority religion.
Most surviving architecture of the Indian kingdom age is religious in nature.
Remarkably, many of these structures are rock-cut architecture (they were carved out of
solid natural rock).

Ajanta Caves Maharashtra, India

shorturl.at/eyCF8

The Ajanta Caves are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments famous
for its mural paintings.

Paintings in the Ajanta Caves

shorturl.at/irzBP

C. Indian Sculptures

Sculpture is considered the primary traditional art form of South Asia. The predominant
subject of South Asian sculpture is the human figure. In addition to architectural carvings,
South Asian sculptors produced many free-standing statues, primarily in stone (but also
bronze).

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 Shiva, the Cosmic-dance
shorturl.at/knDN5
D. Indo-Islamic Art

With the rise of Islamic states as the dominant powers of South Asia, Indian art was
subjected to Islamic influence. The most brilliant manifestations could be seen in their
architecture.

The primary form of Indo-Islamic architecture is the mosque. The exterior of an Indo-
Islamic mosque is often rich with sculpture, such that it resembles the exterior of a Hindu
temple. Moreover, the towers and domes of an Indo-Islamic mosque are often clearly based
on the towers of Hindu temples or the domes of Buddhist stupas.

The masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture is the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum with a

mosque design constructed from dazzling white marble. The mausoleum contrasts sharply
with the smaller flanking buildings, made primarily of red sandstone.

Taj Mahal
shorturl.at/pIQS8

E. Diwali

Diwali, or Dipawali, (Festival of Lights) is India's biggest and most important holiday
of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa/diya) that
Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual
darkness.

Hindus interpret the Diwali story based upon where they live. But there's one common
theme no matter where people celebrate: the victory of good over evil.

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 Diyas
shorturl.at/cqvyH

Diwali is celebrated for three to five days. Aside from clay lamps, people also
decorate their homes with patterns called Rangoli on the floor using colored powders or
sand.

Rangoli
shorturl.at/cqvyH

On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi Puja, a prayer
to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.

Lakshmi Puja
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Margashirsha Lakshmi Vrata is an auspicious day, the ninth month of Hindu calendar
Margashirsha (November-December) and dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. In
the month of Margashirsha, every Thursday, fast is observed and Laxmi puja is done by
devotees. Goddess Laxmi is recognized for wealth, prosperity and good fortune. It is
assumed that performing the Marghashirsha Laxmi Puja solve all problems of the devotees
and goddess Laxmi will bless them with comfort, peace, and prosperity.

It is said that whoever worships Goddess Lakshmi by observing a fast in this month
is blessed with the blessings of Mother Lakshmi and Luxmi bless with food, grains, and
money. This Puja is done to keep the family rich and wealthy.

Laxmi Mata is also known as Bhumi Devi and goddess of prosperity, good fortune, and
beauty. With Parvati and Saraswati, she forms Tridevi (Trinity). The name Lakshmi is
derived from the Sanskrit word Lakshya, meaning goal or aim. Thus, Goddess Lakshmi has

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the symbolism of understanding and knowing the aim or goal. Vishnu is her consort and she
was born from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the primordial ocean).

F. Truck Art

Truck art is a popular form of regional decoration in South Asia, with Pakistani and
Indian trucks featuring elaborate floral patterns and calligraphy.

Many trucks and buses are highly customized and decorated by their owners. The
decoration often contains elements that remind the truck drivers of home. The art is a mode
of expression for the truck drivers. Decoration may include structural changes, paintings,
calligraphy and ornamental-decor like mirror work on the front and back of vehicles and
wooden carvings on the truck doors. Depictions of various historical scenes and poetic
verses are also common.

Truck Art
shorturl.at/rvDW2

Learning Activities

General Directions: Work on Activities 1-2 that follow. Do it on separate sheets of

paper.
Activity 1: Make Me a Rangoli

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 Rangoli is an art form originating in the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are
created on the floor or the ground using materials such as colored rice, colored sand, quartz
powder, flower petals, and colored rocks.

The purpose of Rangoli is to feel strength, generosity, and it is thought to bring good
luck. Design depictions reflect traditions, folklore, and practices that are unique to each area.

You will need:

• ¼ illustration board
• glue
• paper plate
• pencil
• colored sand / powder
Directions:
1. Sketch a design unique from your area (a local icon or product) in a ¼ illustration
board using a pencil.
2. Finalize the outline with heavier lines.
3. Use glue to outline your design.
4. Roll a paper plate into a cone and snip a small hole in the narrow end.
5. Fill the larger opening with colored sand/powder. Use your finger as a stopper on the
small hole you made, to control the flow of the sand/powder.
6. This is the most interesting step, and usually the most fun. Fill in your design with
sand according to your choice and color combination. In Indian culture, it is important
to completely fill in your Rangoli, leaving no open spaces.

Scoring Rubrics:

CATEGORY EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR

5 4 3 2
Following Followed the Followed most Followed some Did not follow
Directions directions of the directions of the directions directions
correctly

Creativity Output is very Output is good Output is fair Output is dull

and creative and and tidy and has few with lots of
Workmanship tidy errors errors
Pattern Patterns of Patterns of Patterns of There is no
South Asian South Asian South Asian visible pattern
culture is culture is visible culture is of South,
welldefined and but not clearly somewhat Central and
used from the defined visible but not West Asian
beginning to continuous culture
end

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Self-Assessment:
1. Have you able to employ different art elements and principles in making this activity?
2. Did you enjoy working on this activity?
3. How can you help preserve Filipino culture and arts like how South Asians do?

Activity 2. Essay Mood

Directions: Make a short essay inside the box (with at least two to three paragraphs)
explaining the elements, principles and characteristics of arts of South East
Asia. The rubrics below will guide you in writing the essay (10 points).

Scoring rubrics

Criteria 10 8 6 4

There is one There is one There is one The topic and

clear well- clear and well- topic. The main main ideas are
focused topic. focused topic. ideas are not clear.
Main ideas are Main ideas are somewhat
Focus and
clear and are well clear but are not clear.
Details
supported by well supported
detailed and by detailed
accurate information.
information.
Most
sentences are Sentence sound
Most sentences well awkward, are
are well constructed, distractingly
All sentences are constructed and but they have a repetitive or are
Sentence well constructed have varied similar difficult to
structure. and have varied structure and structure and/ understand.
grammar, structure and length. Makes a or length. Makes
mechanics and length. Makes no few errors in Constructed numerous
spelling. errors in grammar, sentence with errors in
grammar, mechanics and/ no errors in grammar,
mechanics, and/ or spelling, but grammar, mechanics,
or spelling. they do not mechanics and/ or spelling
interfere with and/ or spelling that interfere
understanding that interfere with
with understanding.
understanding.

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 Reflection
Directions: Complete the 3-2-1 Chart about your discoveries in the Arts of South East
Asia. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Answer Key

Learners’ answers may vary.

Activities 1 & 2; Reflection:

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Book:
Department of Education Music and Arts 8 Learner’s Material
First Edition 2014
ISBN: 978-971-9601-73-9
Department of Education Teacher’s Guide for Music and Arts Grade 9

Online:
shorturl.at/amzPW
shorturl.at/yBCSX
shorturl.at/eyCF8
shorturl.at/irzBP
shorturl.at/cqvyH
shorturl.at/rvDW2

Published by the Department of Education, Caraga Region

Schools Division Office of Surigao City
Schools Division Superintendent: Karen L. Galanida
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent: Florence E. Almaden

Development Team of the Learning Activity Sheets (LAS)

Writer : Grace C. Cordita
Editor : Angelie D. Echin
Evaluators : Tessie C. Dolores, Flordeliz G. Flores, Woodie V. Dizon,
Grace B. Jolejole, Jogine B. Penados
Layout Artist :
Management Team : Karen L. Galanida
Florence E. Almaden
Carlo P. Tantoy
Elizabeth S. Larase
Tessie C. Dolores

Printed in the Philippines by the Schools Division Office of Surigao City

Office Address: M. Ortiz Street, Barangay Washington
Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Philippine
Telephone: (086) 826-1268; (086) 826-3075, (086)826-8931
E-mail Address: Surigao.city@deped.gov.ph

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