Chapter 2- Reading Documents ( Indus Valley Civilization)
The Indus Valley civilization appeared to be the only ancient civilization that has not social hierarchy can be indicated. The reading document says that “The most intriguing features of Indus Valley civilization involve what is missing, at least in comparison with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Archaeologists have found no grand temples or palaces; no elite burial places filled with great wealth; no images of warfare, conquest, or the seizing of captives; no monuments to celebrate powerful rulers. (93) The study from the archaeologist shows that the Indus Valley does not have elite buildings that can represent power nor Luxury burial process which declares the higher social status of the owner. There just no clear evidence can be found to show that there were some people own great wealth and power. This interesting founding made the Indu Valley civilization looks like a very different society compare to our world right now.
Besides no social hierarchy can be found, Indus Valley civilization also holds a very interesting perspective towards women. Based on the reading, “Limited archaeological evidence suggests that some urban women played important social and religious roles in the Indus Valley civilization. (94) In order to back this point of view, the archaeologist provided a statue that made by the people from Indus Valley civilization. This statue called “The dancing girl” A famous archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler, described her as “ a girl perfectly, for the moment, perfectly confident of herself and the world.” The reason why Wheeler came up with this idea is that the girl is standing in a powerful position- with one hand on hip. Her face looks confident with chin up. This type of position usually represents confidence and power in our modern society. She also wears lots of bracelets on her left arms which definitely not a symbol of normal working class people. From all the details are listed above, this female figure appeared to be a symbol of power and confidence. Unlike the “Venus” statue that made by people from the Paleolithic era, this dancing girl figure is very slim and tall. It may indicate that well-fed people are no longer represent the wealthy, power and the beauty standards.
Besides no social hierarchy can be found, Indus Valley civilization also holds a very interesting perspective towards women. Based on the reading, “Limited archaeological evidence suggests that some urban women played important social and religious roles in the Indus Valley civilization. (94) In order to back this point of view, the archaeologist provided a statue that made by the people from Indus Valley civilization. This statue called “The dancing girl” A famous archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler, described her as “ a girl perfectly, for the moment, perfectly confident of herself and the world.” The reason why Wheeler came up with this idea is that the girl is standing in a powerful position- with one hand on hip. Her face looks confident with chin up. This type of position usually represents confidence and power in our modern society. She also wears lots of bracelets on her left arms which definitely not a symbol of normal working class people. From all the details are listed above, this female figure appeared to be a symbol of power and confidence. Unlike the “Venus” statue that made by people from the Paleolithic era, this dancing girl figure is very slim and tall. It may indicate that well-fed people are no longer represent the wealthy, power and the beauty standards.
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