Secrets of the Silk Road – Teacher Packet - Bowers Museum

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Bowers Museum Education Department March 2010 EXHIBITION OUTLINE (FOR TEACHERS) Introduction Silk Road Height of the Silk Road: The Tombs of Astanä (300-700 AD) Ancient Texts The “Opening” of the Silk Road: The Yingpän Site (300 BC-AD 500) Early Life of the Silk Road: The Sampul (Shanpula) Cemetery (200BC – AD 200) Textiles Niya (0-500AD) Religion Life Before the Silk Road: Zaghunluq Cemetery in Chärchän County (c.1000-600 BC) Life Before the Silk Road: Xiaohe Cemetery (2000-1450 BC) Mummification Epilogue 20
Bowers Museum Education Department March 2010 BACKGROUND INFORMATION & VOCABULARY bi A bi is a disk usually made of jade, from the Neolithic period onward as a ritual object used in burials. The significance of this form is not entirely clear, though the round shape may symbolize heaven. Buddhism Buddhism was founded in the 400s BC in what is now Nepal by Siddhārtha Gautama (c. 563 BCE to 483 BC). The essential message is that wealth and material goods do not ensure happiness. He taught a path to enlightenment based on his own experiences. Buddhism migrated north from India, arriving in China during the 1 st century AD. According to legend, Han dynasty Emperor Ming, heard of Buddhism. He had a dream in which a golden figure floated in a halo of light (perhaps a Buddhist aspara). He sent an envoy to India, who returned with sacred Buddhist texts and paintings as well as Indian practitioners to explain the teaching of the Buddha to the Emperor. The religion spread rapidly along the Silk Road. Elaborate cave complexes and monasteries were built around the oasis towns, supported by local families and merchants to ensure safe passage of their caravans. calligraphy Calligraphy literally means “beautiful writing.” It is one of the most respected art forms in China. Chinese characters are written with a brush and ink on paper or silk in a number of different styles. Confucianism Confucianism is a philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC ). He taught of the ethical importance of relationships, particularly between a ruler and subjects, between parents and children, along with the need for benevolence on the part of the ruler and parent, and respect on the part of the subject and child. cong The cong is a cylinder with a square cross-section made of jade and often is included in burials. The significance of the form is not entirely clear, though it is thought that its shape may represent heaven (round) and earth (square) Daoism [pronounced dow-ism and also seen as Taoism) Daoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy based on the concept of the Dao or “The Way,” a force that animates the universe and inhabits all things. The philosopher Laozi is believed to have written the Daode jing, a text which taught the importance of living in harmony with the Dao. According to Chinese tradition, Laozi lived in the 6th century BC though some scholars contend that Laozi is a synthesis of multiple historical figures, or that he is a mythical figure, or that he actually lived in the 4th century BC, concurrent with the Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period. dynasty A dynasty includes a succession of rulers who belong to the same family and rule over generations. ephedra In the context of Tarim Basin burial practices, ephedra has been found in the form of twigs in many graves. The meaning is unknown. Ephedra, from the plant Ephedra sinica, has been used as a herbal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for 5,000 years to treat asthma and hay fever, as well as for the common cold. It is a stimulant which constricts blood vessels, stimulates the brain, and expands the bronchial tubes, making breathing easier. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate. 21
Page 1 and 2: SECRETS OF THE SILK ROAD: STUDY GUI
Page 3 and 4: BACKGROUND: INTRODUCTION TO THE SIL
Page 5 and 6: Evolution o 3.0 Biological evolutio
Page 7 and 8: PRE-VISIT LESSON: MUMMIES The Mummi
Page 9 and 10: Brocade Face Cover with Dogwood Pat
Page 11 and 12: Bowers Museum Education Department
Page 13 and 14: Han Emperor, Wu-ti's interests in C
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Page 19: Books Web Articles Bowers Museum Ed
Page 23 and 24: oasis (plural: oases) In geography,
Page 25 and 26: Uyghurs [pronounced wee-gur] The Uy

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