This collection by the Asian Art Museum is a selection of works depicting the ancient Rama Epic.The Rama Epic—recounting the struggle of Prince Rama to defeat a demonic king; rescue his abducted wife; and reestablish order in the world—has been a subject for visual and performing arts; literature; and religious thought in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia for many centuries. A huge number of artworks relating to the Rama legends have been made over the course of 1500 years in a dozen countries. The Rama Epic: Hero; Heroine; Ally; Foe illustrates some of the most important episodes involving the four primary characters: the hero; Rama; the heroine; Rama's wife Sita; the ally; Rama's faithful monkey lieutenant Hanuman; and the foe; the ten-headed demon king Ravana.
#631321 in Books 1985-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x 5.75 x .75l; #File Name: 0933121016280 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. How Wonderful it isBy CustomerThis book was very fascinating and confirmed many of the notions of the ancient empire of the Ethiopians; which is older; however is not given its just due; in light of the fanaticism of their sister Egypt; as if that is the only civilization that was bred in Africa. A few other books I have read referenced this particular book as one of its sources; which I found intriguing and delightful. The author goes into great detail to explain the origins; cultures; and migrations of not only the Kushites/Ethiopians; but also the early prehistoric African ancestors. The author also includes her source contributors as well; which has led me to research and read their works as well; in order to substantiate and expound on the topic. The information is thoroughly detailed and so descriptive the images are born in mind with clear and utter vividness. The only negative I would say is the author attempts to show her affinity to her religious affiliation and tie in biblical literature references to her writings to validate her point; which is unnecessary; since actual true World History; archaeology and paleontology is more than adequate and will suffice. This is definitely a must read for anyone who is a serious student of African Studies; for it is certainly one for the library and a joy to read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent offeringBy LWBWonderful Ethiopians of the Ancient Cushite EmpireThe narrative was fascinating and engrossing. Bought this here for my Kindle and glad I did! As more information surfaces from the treasure trove of history buried beneath the earth; we push the dates of civilization further and further back. This book and this author point out the reality of our bible. I was never convinced that the Lord our God rested on his laurels after creation until the emergence of the Hebrews to declare them and only them to be His chosen people. Abram and Sari weren't Adam and Eve nor was Ur the garden of Eden.My complaint is the lack of maps and graphics of the areas affected by the Ethiopian influence beyond prehistory to this day.10 of 11 people found the following review helpful. A Better Understanding of the CushitesBy E. N. GambleThis woman is my hero. For One; I am amazed that this African-American woman living in Oklahoma was able to write this book (with so much information) and get it published in the early 1900s (around 1926). It must be noted that her father traveled throughout the country starting Baptist Churches which probably enabled her to travel as well and gather up different books for research. Never-the-less; still remarkable for that time period of American History and World History. From her research; she was able to piece together a history; now considered ancient; of black people she calls Cushites or Cushitic which should be familiar to those who read the Christian Bible. According to the author; the Cushites were the ones who started humankind on the road to the development of civilization throughout this world; unlike what some nations say they are doing when it commits to war. Civilization today does not carry the same weight it carried in what we call ancient times. The sciences; astronomy; religion; geography; land and sea navigation; etc were all developed by the Cushites long before Europeans and Asians were on the scene. When the Europeans and Asians began to travel the world; they found traces of an Ancient Cushitic world; which some have become extinct recently. Also; for religious folk. Understand that the Judaism; Christianity; and Islam are new. Hinduism is the oldest and closest modern religion to the ancient religion of the Cushites. However; as the ancient Cushitic culture began to fall off the map of history; other religious practices introduced to its decendants by outsiders wore away the pure religion (philosophy; practice; etc). In other words; Hinduism; Christianity; Judaism; Islam; and others are flawed. Each have an element of truth to them but they also contain elements the dominant culture added to the religion. The author's research is impeccable and still holds up to this day. For example; there was a recent article that says many other pyramids were found buried in the sands of Egypt along the Nile. Ms Houston did state that the sands of Egypt remains a graveyard of information that has yet to be dug up. This also true of Ethiopia (once called Cush); which; according to the author; was the colonial master over Egypt. You can do the research yourself. While many articles; journals; or the like do not reference her book outright; much of what is said in those documents (including Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Brittanica) contain much of what she researched back in Oklahoma.
