Japanese Traditional Culture

This site offers an introduction to Japanese society and culture.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2056.html

Questions for exploration:

What are the basic elements of Shinto belief? How was that expressed locally and in the person of the Emperor before the Meiji Restoration? How did Shinto change under the influence of nationalism in the 19th and 20th century? What is its status now? Discuss some of the ancient art forms associated with Shinto belief and practice.

Shinto

This site provides additional material on the Shinto religion.

http://www.ox.compsoc.org.uk/~gemini/simons/historyweb/shinto.html

Questions for exploration:

What is considered impure according to Shinto tradition? Are these impure things similar to those identified in other cultures? Give an example of such taboos in other societies. How did Shinto and Buddhism come to live with each other before their synthesis come to a final end with the Meiji restoration?

Shrine Slides

Offers a superb set of slides of the Shrine that include aerial views and maps. http://www.columbia.edu/~hds2/ise/imgindex.htm

Questions for exploration:

Of what materials are the most sacred shrines at Ise constructed? When and under what circumstances are these materials harvested? What is the rationale for the holiness of the materials?

Sacred Shrine

Explores the shrine’s ancient sacred nature.

http://www.arthistory.sbc.edu/sacredplaces/ise.html

Questions for exploration:

Of what materials are the most sacred shrines at Ise constructed? When and under what circumstances are these materials harvested? What is the rationale for the holiness of the materials?

Jenne-Jeno

This site explores the ancient African city of Jenne-Jeno.

http://www.anthro.mankato.msus.edu/archaeology/sites/africa/jennejeno.html

Questions for exploration:

Why did Jenne-Jeno do so well between 800-1000 bce? How may weather changes have altered human habitation along the Niger River? What factors contributed to the decline of Jenne-Jeno and the rise of its successor, Jenne?

The Maori

This site is devoted to Maori history and culture.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com.au/dest/aust/maori.htm

Questions for exploration:

How was land traditionally distributed among the Maori? How did the coming of the Europeans change Maori life? How did the betrayal of Maori treaties with the Europeans ultimately provide the means for a Maori revival? How have the people of Java integrated their indigenous religion with that of Hinduism and Islam? What are some important symbols of this Javanese cultural synthesis?