8

Arts
Quarter 3 – Module 2:
Arts and Crafts of 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)

What I Know

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the letters only. Use a
separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the purpose of Rangoli?

A. For Sorrow C. For Desperation
B. For Decoration D. To bring good luck

2. Which of the following clay lamps lights the way of the goddess?
A. Aarti C. Patrayali
B. Diyas D. Nachiarkoil

3. Which country has a cultural belief of featuring highly customized decorations

which often cost thousands of dollars?
A. India C. Pakistan
B. Tibet D. Saudi Arabia

4. Which form of body art originated in ancient India?

A. Carpet C. Mehndi
B. Diwali D. Rangoli

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 5. Who is the Hindu goddess of wealth?
A. Krisma C. Regvida
B. Vishnu D. Lakshmi

6. In which part of Asia is carpet highly esteemed for adorning the walls and
the floors of residential houses?
A. East C. North
B. West D. South

7. What is India’s Festival of Lights called?

A. Ajanta C. Shiva
B. Diwali D. Rangoli

8. What kind of cylinder is with mirrors containing loose, colored objects such
as beads or pebbles and bits of glass?
A. Frescos C. Flamboyant
B. Inscriptions D. Kaleidoscope

9. Which of the following symbolizes a family’s wealth and prosperity?

A. Carpet C. Rangoli
B. Diwali D. Mehndi

10. What word comes from “katha” which means story?

A. Katak C. Mandala
B. Carpet D. Mehndi

11. Which of the following shows the relation to the infinite and the world that
extends beyond and within minds and bodies?
A. Cosmic diagram
B. Geometric pattern
C. Cosmos metaphysically
D. Time-microcosm of the universe

12. What color is used similarly to Henna to paint the feet of the brides in some
regions in India?
A. Red dye C. Green dye
B. Blue dye D. Yellow dye

13. Which of the following does not belong to the group of the traditional art
form that was extracted from natural dyes?

A. Leaves C. Indigo plant

B. Lotus D. Bark of trees

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 14. Which sacred space, which is often a circle, reveals inner truth about you and
the world around you?
A. Carpet C. Mandala
B. Diwali D. Rangoli

15. Which material is not used in creating Rangoli patterns on the floor?
A. Dry flour C. Colored paper
B. Colored rice D. Colored sand

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

Mandala Rangoli Truck

1. ______________ 2. ______________ 3. ______________
3 CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 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 Truck Arts Diwali

Carpet design

India Tibet Saudi Arabia Pakistan

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 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 wet-
powdered rice or dry flour, to which sindooram (vermilion), pasupu (turmeric) and
different herbal colors may be added. Chemical shades are a contemporary variation.

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
  Katak

The word ‘kathak’ comes from

‘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 Hindu and
Muslim cultures. It is characterized by
complex footwork and precise rhythmic
patterns that the dancers articulated. It
had its origin as a folk dance where
Kathak dancers (both male and female)
moved from one village to another telling
Kathak, a classical danceform stories of what they had seen and passed
from Northern India.
https://www.utsavpedia.com/cultural-
on information from one segment of
connections/kathak-classical-danceform society to another. Usually, many of the
dances convey moods of love.

 Mehndi

Mehndi is a form of body art that

originated in ancient India. It is a
temporary form of skin decoration that
is most popular in South Asia, the
Middle East, as well as expatriate
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 Mehndi
small shrub found in the hot climates of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Mehndi
#/media/File:Chenrezig_Sand_ Mehndi.jpg
India, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern
countries.

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.

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

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
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

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 Chenrezig sand carpet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpet#/med
artwork from the region. 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.

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
  Mandala

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.

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 What’s More

Activity 1: 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.

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 RUBRICS IN RATING YOUR ARTWORK

Very Good Good Fair Poor

Criteria
(20pts) (15pts) (10pts) (5pts) TOTAL
The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork
shows excellent shows average shows below shows poor
craftsmanship craftsmanship average craftsmanship
and attention and attention craftsmanship and no
Craftsmanship/
to details. to details. and attention attention to
Skill
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 to understand relatively easy difficult to
and is visually to understand understand
compelling and is and is
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 attractive messy or very
Attractiveness terms of design, layout though it may poorly
design, layout and neatness. be a bit designed. It is
and neatness. messy. 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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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 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).

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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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 What I Can Do

Here is another opportunity for you to appreciate the art forms you learned
through actually making them.

Activity 1: Diwali Making

Directions: Make an artwork out of colored or recycled paper and make your own
design based on Diwali.

You will need:

 Yellow textured paper or pages of magazine

 Textured paper in a bright color
 Gold cord
 Gold glitter glue
 String
 Scissors
 Puncher

Instructions:

1. Cut out a flame shape 2. Make a hole at the 3. Tie them together
from a yellow paper bottom of the flame with the gold cord.
and a diya (oil lamp) and another in the
shape from the other middle of the diya.
page.

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 4. Make a hole at the top of the flame 5. With glitter glue or a gold pen,
and tie some gold cord for write “Happy” on the flame and
hanging. “Diwali” on the diya.

RUBRICS IN RATING YOUR ARTWORK

Very
Good Fair Poor
Criteria Good Score
(4) (3) (2)
(5)
Student Student Students The student
followed the followed most followed did not follow
Following
directions of the some of the the
Directions
correctly. directions. directions. instructions.

Student output Student output Student Student

is very creative is good and output is output is dull
Workmanship and tidy. tidy. fair and has with a lot of
few errors. errors.

The artwork is The artwork is The artwork The artwork

exceptionally attractive in is is
attractive in terms of acceptably distractingly
terms of craftsmanship, attractive messy or very
Attractiveness
craftsmanship, layout and though it poorly
layout, and neatness. may be a designed. It is
neatness. bit messy. not
attractive.
Total Points

Follow up Questions:

1. How would you describe your experience in making your own Diwali?
2. How did this experience help you appreciate this art form more?
3. Which art elements and principles did you use in completing this activity?

14 CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 Assessment

Multiple Choice: Read the directions correctly. Choose the best answer. Write the
letters only.

1. Which of the following clay lamps lights the way of the goddess?
A. Aarti C. Patrayali
B. Diyas D. Nachiarkoil

2. What is the purpose of Rangoli?

A. For Sorrow C. For Desperation
B. For Decoration D. To bring good luck

3. What country has a cultural belief of featuring highly customized decorations,

often costing thousands of dollars?
A. India C. Pakistan
B. Tibet D. Saudi Arabia

4. Which form of body art originated in ancient India?

A. Carpet C. Mehndi
B. Diwali D. Rangoli

5. Who is the Hindu goddess of wealth?

A. Krisma C. Regvida
B. Vishnu D. Lakshmi

6. In which part of Asia is carpet highly esteemed for adorning the walls and
the floors of residential houses?
A. East C. North
B. West D. South

7. What is India’s Festival of Lights called?

A. Ajanta C. Shiva
B. Diwali D. Rangoli

8. What kind of cylinder is with mirrors containing loose, colored objects such
as beads or pebbles and bits of glass?
A. Frescos C. Flamboyant
B. Inscriptions D. Kaleidoscope

9. What word comes from “katha” which means story?

A. Katak C. Mandala
B. Carpet D. Mehndi

15 CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
10. Which of the following symbolizes a family’s wealth and prosperity?
A. Carpet C. Rangoli
B. Diwali D. Mehndi

11. Which if the following shows the relation to the infinite and the world that
extends beyond and within minds and bodies?
A. Cosmic diagram
B. Geometric pattern
C. Cosmos metaphysically
D. Time-microcosm of the universe

12. Which of the following does not belong to the group of the traditional art form
that was extracted from natural dyes?
A. Leaves C. Indigo Plant
B. Lotus D. Barks of Trees

13. What color is used similarly to Henna to paint the feet of the brides in some
regions of India?
A. Red dye C. Green dye
B. Blue dye D. Yellow dye

14. Which material is not used in creating Rangoli patterns on the floor?
A. Dry flour C. Colored paper
B. Colored rice D. Colored sand

15. Which sacred space, which is often a circle, reveals inner truth about you and
the world around you?
A. Carpet C. Mandala
B. Diwali D. Rangoli

16 CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
 Additional Activities

Here are supplementary activities that can be used for the remaining five to
10 minutes of your class time.

Activity 1: Answer Me!

Directions: Name at least five artworks here in the Philippines that are similar to
the arts and crafts of South, West and Central Asia. Explain their similarities.

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CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2
CO_Q3_Arts8_Module2 18
WHAT I KNOW WHAT’S IN WHAT’S NEW
1. D 1. India India
2. B 2. India  Rangoli
3. C 3. Pakistan  Katak
4. C 4. Tibet  Mehndi
5. D 5. Saudi Arabia  Diwali
6. A
7. B Tibet
8. D  Mandala
9. A
10. A Saudi Arabia
11. A  Carpet Design
12. A
13. B Pakistan
14. C  Truck Arts
15. C
WHAT I HAVE ASSESSMENT
LEARNED
1. B
2. D
1. rang, aavalli 3. C
2. body art 4. C
3. deity 5. D
4. red dye 6. A
5. Central Asia 7. B
6. worshipped 8. D
7. floor covering 9. A
8. sacred space 10. A
9. truck art 11. A
10. row of lights 12. B
11. good luck 13. A
12. Hinduism 14. C
13. women 15. C
14. East
15. India
Answer Key