Humans Create Powerful Symbols - Hornbill Figure Essay

Humans Create Powerful Symbols - Hornbill Figure - Essay Example They also believed this entity allowed energy flow from one being to the next in a cyclic process. This connection between mankind and the rest of all living things inspired men to associate the image of nature to the theory of the existence of a higher being with supreme powers. These connections could be either supernatural or spiritual. This symbolic connection has been passed down through numerous generations throughout history. Different cultures and religions use the symbolism in the ways that are adapted to suit their beliefs. The specially skilled Ibans of Sarawak, whom are known for their carvings include an exclusively designed hornbill figure. This is an example of the combination of religion, nature, and art. The ‘Hornbill Figure,' known as 'Kenyalang,' has essentially been the chief subject of interest among the Iban carvers of Sarawak, Malaysia (Davenport). It was between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that the Iban people began to show their culture by sc ulpting images of the hornbill. This also become a very important part of sacred ceremonies conducted by the Iban community. With a standard length of over 33 feet, the Hornbill Figure is traditionally created using wood, paint, cotton thread, plant, and wool materials and textiles. At the Fowler Museum, a person can take in the details of the art form of the hornbill sculpture. Its sharply pointed bill draws a huge curve and the painting on the body uses various strokes and pigments portraying how colorful the Iban festivals and culture are. Hornbill carvings are recognized as an art form but also is an indicator of the way of life of the Iban people. The unique portrayal of the carvings are associated with Iban’s greatest festive celebrations with religious rituals (Davenport). The Hornbill Figure typically is a special embodiment of a bird believed to possess knowledge and wisdom. Aside from bringing a prophecy to which Iban communities deeply relied on in the past, it is also considered a fundamental medium. This allowed for the blending of a spiritual dimension with the world of humans so they may possibly pass on their freedom to interact with spirits and supernatural beings for many reasons (Davenport). To achieve victory during war, the hornbill symbol and faith in its image was believed in to help aid in obtaining extraordinary power to intimidate and eventually subdue enemies. In particular, the custom of Iban’s Gawai Kenyalang had such strong meaning that it was used for the purpose of reaching success in raiding and headhunting (trophy-taking). During this, the heads taken from the enemies were claimed to have powers that could potentially add to the overall strength or invincibility of the victorious community (Davenport). Looking at the figure of the hornbill and evaluating the different features, one can feel the depth of the strong Malaysian history and culture. There is an aesthetic feeling that is brought out in its design that is highly representative of the culture of its people. Regardless of the complex processes of politics and the changes of culture for the Iban people through history that has impacted their lifestyles in several ways, the Ibans still believe in the hornbill image. The carved figure of the bird reflects the symbolism of courage and power of the Iban people. The artist takes the approach of providing exquisite carving as well as adding vibrant colors. The bird's eyes contain an intense yet subtle look. Unlike other icons of religion, the Hornbill Figure is more influential than many other types of symbols. This in turn makes the believers in its powers very strong. As the making of hornbill images increased

On Agency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

On Agency - Essay Example This is because any decision made will be on the basis that someone is watching. Agency is determined or limited by various factors of influence referred to as structure. Examples of structure include customs, religion, ethnicity, gender and social class. Panopticon is a building which has a central tower. At the periphery of Panopticon is an annular building; at the center is a tower. The tower is fitted with wide windows which open on to the inner side of the ring. The annular building is divided in to cells which extend to the whole width of the building. The cells have two windows. One window is on the inner side facing the central tower while the other is on the far end of the cell. It is strategically placed there to allow light to enter in to the cell traversing the whole cell. The Panopticon is a prison. The prisoners in the Panopticon are watched by the inspector from the central tower. However, they cannot be able to see inside the tower. This way, they never know when they are being watched or not. The prisoners therefore have to behave at all times because they feel that they are being watched even if no one is watching because they cannot tell. The only way that the prisoners counter attack the watch of the inspector is by turning their backs on him. They face the outer window leaving the inspector to watch their back. When the inspector notices this, he has to go and issue a warning to the prisoners from hiding from his watch. This situation is symbolic of how agency is first inhibited by society. Society has been structured in a manner similar to Panopticon. Just like the prisoners, someone somewhere is always watching. The problem is, you can never know who it is and where exactly they are watching you from. The two windows are symbolic of the options of power and rules, and agency. The inner opening are the rules which have been laid down to dictate the manner in which things are to be done. The outer window symbolizes the possibility of indepe ndence; agency. This can be verified by the manner in which the prisoners turn their backs on the inspector and face the outer window. Similarly, we as individuals turn our backs from what has been decided for us and seek comfort by looking for the possibility of independence. It however takes little time for society to come running to us, in many forms, reminding us that our actions and decisions should be in line with its expectations. This is one perspective of viewing the reasons why agency cannot and has not been fully realized in society. As pointed out earlier, agency is the extent to which individuals make their own free choices; alternatively, it is the ability of an individual to act on their own will. However, this ability will be limited by more than just being watched by society. Personal experiences, and individual and societal perceptions, with respect to the circumstances that an individual is in and the environment that they have been born in or are part of, form a cognitive belief structure. These beliefs will affect one’s ability to act on their own will as they often cause conflicts between parties that are involved. For example, a child who wants to be a musician and has been born in family of scholars such as engineers, will have a hard time convincing their parents. This is because the cognitive belief that the family has formed is that success can only be achieved when one finds a career in books rather than in