As I do the readings for this week I am more intrigued by the idea of two opposing concepts in one empire. There were two different styles of sculpture in the Kusana empire: one that encompassed an indigenous Indian style and the other an eclectic style with heavy Greco-Roman inspiration. The first style came from Mathura and the second from Gandhara. These aforementioned opposing concepts that appear to me within these two opposing styles of art are the concepts of old versus new. To find this concept within the art of a society leads me to believe that it most likely is present within many different facets of a society such as government structure, religion and language. Although this idea is not uncommon I feel as if it is a phenomena; the ability for a culture to be two things at once: maintaining the old style while fostering a new innovative one, illustrates the ethos of all peoples. It is people who are able to use what has been given them while finding new ways to make them better within and without their society. This also could be illustrated through the older generation with the new who does not feel the constraints of tradition and most often tries to make it their own, to make it better. Overall, although it is regular in many societies, I find the ability to have two different opposing styles and concepts flourish in one empire interesting, encompassing the human ethos of change.
'Til next time!
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