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Arts
Quarter 3 – Module 1:
Arts and Crafts in South, West,
and Central Asia
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the nature of Arts. The scope of this module permits it to be used in
many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course, but the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

After going through this module, you are expected to identify characteristics
of arts and crafts in specific countries in South, West, and Central Asia: India
(rangoli, Katak, mednhi, Diwali); Saudi Arabia (carpet design); Pakistan (truck art);
and Tibet (mandala), etc. (A8EL-IIIa-2)

Lesson Characteristics of Arts and

Crafts in South, West and
1 Central Asia
In this lesson, you will learn about the characteristics of forms of arts and
crafts in South, West, and Central Asia such as rangoli, mehndi, diwali, carpet
design, truck art and mandala printing. As part of achieving the goal, you will be
given activities that will allow you to experience creating some of these art forms.

What’s In

Use the different motifs and designs as manifested in the folk arts of South, West,
and Central Asia.

Directions: Identify the origin of the following art forms. Write your answers in your
activity notebook.

Pakistan Tibet India Saudi Arabia

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 Mandala Rangoli Truck

1. ______________ 2. ______________ 3. ______________

Mehndi Carpet

4. ______________ 5. ______________

What’s New

Arts and crafts are the expression of the network that creates them. South,
West and Central Asia’s forms of arts are reflections of their cultures. Changes in
their cultures are also seen in the chages in these art forms.

WHERE YOU BELONG?

Group the words below based on where these art forms originated. Complete the
table in your activity notebook.

Rangoli Katak Mehndi

Mandala Diwali
Truck Arts
Carpet design

India Tibet Saudi Arabia Pakistan

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3
 What is It

South Asian Arts

South, West, and Central Asia show strong sense of design in their modern
and traditional forms of arts. They exhibit ornate, intricate, and colorful motifs in
their artworks that can be seen in their rangoli, mehndi and diwali (India), carpet
design (Saudi arabia), truck art (Pakistan), and mandala (Tibet).

India

 Rangoli

Rangoli, which is believed to bring good

luck, is an art form that originated in the Indian
subcontinent. Patterns are created on the
ground or floor with the use of colored rice, dry
flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is
normally made for Hindu festivals like Diwali or
Tihar, Onam, Pongal in the Indian
subcontinent.

The term Rangoli is composed of two

words: rang meaning ‘color’ and ‘aavalli’
meaning ‘colored creepers’ or ‘row of colors’.
Designs vary as they are reflections of unique
https://www.ikolam.com/rangoli/pencil-
traditons and practices of each area and this sketch-rangoli-0 practice is
usually showcased in celebration of milestones like marriage, festivals,
etc. Traditionally, Rangoli designs are done by women.

Rangoli designs may be simple patterns like geometric shapes, deity

impressions, or flower and petal shapes depending on the given celebrations, or
more intricate ones that are made by several people. The base is typically dry or
wetpowdered rice or dry flour, to which sindooram (vermilion), pasupu (turmeric)
and different herbal colors may be added. Chemical shades are a contemporary
variation.  Katak

The word ‘kathak’ comes from

Kathak, a classical danceform
from Northern India.
https://www.utsavpedia.com/cultural-
connections/kathak-classical-danceform

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 the dancers articulated. It had its
origin as a folk dance where Kathak
 Mehndi
dancers (both male and female) moved
from one village to another telling
Mehndi is a form of body art that
stories of what they had seen and
originated in ancient India. It is a
passed on information from one
temporary form of skin decoration that
segment of society to another.
is most popular in South Asia, the
Usually, many of the dances convey
Middle East, as well as expatriate
moods of love.
communities from these areas. It is
usually done for celebrations and
special occasions, particularly
weddings. Design is painted on a
person’s body using a paste that was
created from the powdered dry leaves of
the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis) a
small shrub found in the hot climates
of India, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern
countries.

‘katha’ which means ‘story’. Of the

eight classical dance forms in India,
Kathak is the only one that comes
from the northen part of India and
developed under the influence of both Mehndi
Hindu and Muslim cultures. It is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Mehndi
characterized by complex footwork #/media/File:Chenrezig_Sand_ Mehndi.jpg
and precise rhythmic patterns that
It remains a famous form of body art among women. Henna is applied on
their hands and feet and sometimes on the back of their shoulders, where the
design will be clearest due to contrast with the lighter skin on these surfaces. Alta,
Alata, or Mahur is a purple dye used in addition to Henna to color the toes of the
brides in a few areas of India. For men, however, it is applied on their arms, legs,
back, and chest.
 Diwali

Diwali or Divali, is one of

the main religious festivals in
Hinduism. It lasts for five days
from the 13th day of the dark
half of the lunar month Ashvina
to the second day of the light half
of Karttika, which in the
Gregorian calendar is in late
October and November. Diwali is
derived from the Sanskrit word
dipavali, which means “row of

Diwali
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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 lights,” which can be lit at the new-moon night to ask the presence of Lakshmi,
the goddess of
iwali_Diya.jpg
wealth so each family burns diwali
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diya_(lamp)#/media/File:D
clay lamps (diyas) to light the way for

the goddess.

The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. In

Bengal, however, the goddess Kali is worshipped, and in north India, the festival
also celebrates Rama’s (along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman) return to the
town of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headeking of the demons, where
Rama’s rule of righteousness commences. In South India, the festival marks
Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. Some celebrate Diwali as a
commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while others observe it as
the birthday of Lakshmi. It is considered as the most beautiful of all Indian
festivals, a celebration of lights. All this illumination and fireworks, joy and
festivity, signify the victory of divine forces over those of wicked.

Pakistan

 Truck Art

In Pakistan, truck art has

become a cultural tradition, which
features decorations that may involve
intricate paintings, structural changes,
and ornamental décors using mirrors
and woods for the roof, doors, and
windows of the truck. These trucks,
painted with various images
like landscapes, personalities, etc.,
have become moving exhibits across
Pakistan. Cargo trucks painted in
bright colors, with an Pakistani truck
extremely intricate level of detail, are a https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truck_art_in_South_As
ia#/media/File:Pakistani_truck.jpg
common sight on the the highways of Pakistan. The painting – often coupled with
lines of poetry, religious calligraphy or common phrases – represent the truck
driver's identity and regional background. The images on the trucks embody a
wide range of themes, including landscapes, celebrities, beautiful women,
mythical creatures, religious imagery and national heroes.

West Asian Arts

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 West Asia is rich in cultural heritage, and this is clearly shown in the variety
and quality of regional forms of arts and crafts.

Saudi Arabia

 Carpet Design

For the countries in Central Asia,

carpet is a symbol of a family’s wealth and
prosperity; therefore, is always included in
presents given to young people at their
weddings. The carpet is highly esteemed in the
East adorning the walls and the floors of
residential houses. A carpet is a textile floor
covering, which typically consists of an upper
layer of pile attached to a backing. Many
Arabian carpets include a field of interlocking
geometric shapes in their design. Another
aspect that is frequently observed in the
design is Arabic calligraphy. A medallion
carpet, similar to ones seen commonly in
Persia, can also be found on occasion. The
Arab League is made up of several countries
with a diversified geography. Multiple cultural
influences from local designs
and traditions may be seen in a lot of the artwork Chenrezig sand carpet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpet#/
from the region. med ia/File:Chenrezig_Sand_Carpet.jpg

Central Asian Arts

This refers to the literary, performing, and visual arts of a large portion of
Asia embracing the Tibet. As used here, the term denotes only those traditions that
were not influenced by the religion of Islam.

 Mandala

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 A mandala is a symbolic diagram
that is utilized in the performing of
religious rites and as a meditative tool.
The mandala is a symbol that acts as a
receptacle for the gods and a collection
point for global forces. It is a symbol of
the universe, which was originally used
to represent wholeness and a model for
the organizational structure of life itself,
a cosmic diagram that shows the
relation to the infinite and the world
that extends beyond and within minds
and bodies. Mandala is a sacred space
often a
Chenrezig sand mandala circle which reveals inner truth about you
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala#/media and the world around you. Throughout
/File:Chenrezig_Sand_Mandala.jpg
mandalas, common symbols can be found
within their intricate circular designs.

Traditionally, they depict the Buddha's mind in an abstract shape, such as a

wheel, tree, flower, or jewel. The symbol in the center is a dot, which is a sign with
no dimensions. It is seen as the beginning of contemplation and devotion to the
divine. The dot is then surrounded by lines and mathematical patterns that depict
the universe, all of which are encircled by the outer circle, which reflects life's
cyclical nature. The wheel with eight spokes, bell, triangle, lotus flower, and sun
are all common symbols in mandalas.

What’s More

Activity 1: Menhdi Drawing

Direction: Make your own design or style of mehndi using the materials listed. Use
the procedures below and the rubrics on the next page as your guide.

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
Materials:
• Paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Eraser
• Crayons

RUBRICS IN RATING YOUR ARTWORK

Very Good Good Fair (10pts) Poor

Criteria (20pts) (15pts) (5pts) TOTAL
The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork
shows excellent shows average shows below shows poor
craftsmanship craftsmanship average craftsmanship
Craftsmanship/ and attention to and attention craftsmanship and no
Skill details. to details. and attention attention to
to details. details.

The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork

demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates lacks
excellent use of good use of poor choice of thoughtful
color. The color. The color. The design.
design is easy design is design is
Design relatively easy difficult to
to understand
to understand understand
and is visually
and is and is
compelling
somewhat confusing.
visually
compelling
The mandala is The mandala The mandala The mandala
exceptionally is attractive in is acceptably is distractingly
attractive in terms of design, attractive messy or very
Attractiveness terms of design, layout and though it may poorly
layout and neatness. be a bit messy. designed. It is
neatness. not attractive.
Total Points

Activity 2: Draw a Carpet

Direction: Draw a carpet based on your preferred design below or you can make
your own design. Use crayons, pencil, pen or marker.

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Activity 3: Mandala Drawing

Direction: Make your own design or style of mandala using the materials listed.
Use the procedures below and the rubrics on the next page as your guide.

Materials:
• Paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Eraser
• Compass

Procedure:

1. Prepare your drawing materials (i.e. pencil,

colored pencils, ink, crayons, etc.).

2. Draw lines and circles that will serve as

your guide. Refer to the image.

3. Draw shapes like circles,

triangles, raindrops, loops, etc., following
the guide you created. You may start at the
center until you fill the shape.

4. The finished product may look something

like this.

RUBRICS IN RATING YOUR ARTWORK

Criteria Very Good Good Fair (10pts) Poor

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 (20pts) (15pts) (5pts) TOTAL
The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork
shows excellent shows average shows below shows poor
craftsmanship craftsmanship average craftsmanship
Craftsmanship/ and attention to and attention craftsmanship and no
Skill details. to details. and attention attention to
to details. details.

The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork

demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates lacks
excellent use of good use of poor choice of thoughtful
color. The color. The color. The design.
design is easy design is design is
Design relatively easy difficult to
to understand
to understand understand
and is visually
and is and is
compelling
somewhat confusing.
visually
compelling
The mandala is The mandala The mandala The mandala
exceptionally is attractive in is acceptably is distractingly
attractive in terms of design, attractive messy or very
Attractiveness terms of design, layout and though it may poorly
layout and neatness. be a bit messy. designed. It is
neatness. not attractive.
Total Points

What I Have Learned

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct word/s to complete each sentence.
Write your answers in a separate paper.

rang, aavalli row of lights sacred space

Deity Hinduism Women

Central Asia floor covering truck art
Worshipped red dye East
body art good luck India

1. Rangoli is comprised of two words: _______ meaning ‘color’ and ‘_____’

meaning ‘colored creepers’ or ‘row of colors’.

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2. Mehndi is a form of ________ originating in ancient India, in which
decorative designs are created on a person’s body, using a paste, created
from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis).

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
3. Rangoli designs can be simple geometric shapes, ________ impressions, or
flower and petal shapes (appropriate for the given celebrations), but they
can also be very elaborate designs crafted by numerous people.

4. Alta, Alata, or Mahur is a ________ used similarly to Henna to paint the feet
of the brides in some regions of India.

5. For the countries within the region of ___________, carpet is a symbol of a

family’s wealth and prosperity therefore, it is always included in presents
given to young people at their weddings.

6. In Bengal, however, the goddess Kali is ___________, and in north India the
festival also celebrates the return of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and
Hanuman to the city of Ayodhya, where Rama’s rule of righteousness
would commence.

7. A Carpet is a textile _____________ typically consisting of an upper layer of

pile attached to a backing.

8. Mandala is a ____________ often a circle which reveals inner truth about

you and the world around you.

9. In Pakistan, ____________ has become a cultural tradition featuring highly

customized decorations, often costing thousands of dollars.

10. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning
“____________”, which are lit on the new-moon night to invite the presence
of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

11. The purpose of rangoli is to feel strength, generosity, and it is thought to

bring ___________.

12. Diwali, also spelled Divali, one of the major religious festivals in __________.

13. Dating back to ancient India, mehndi is still a popular form of body art
among the __________.

14. The carpet is highly esteemed in the _________ adorning the walls and the
floors of residential houses.

15. Rangoli is one of the most beautiful and most pleasing art forms of
____________.

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