Mesa Verde:
The Anasazi's homes were created for the purpose of shelter, storage of food and materials and also for ritualistic purposes. The Mesa Verde was given its name because of its green, flat-topped mountainous region. The insides are well-decorated Kivas with columns and hearths. These Kivas were used for ceremonies and continue to be used today, though it is believed that in the past these spaces were also used for residential purposes. These homes were carved out of the mountains that surround them, these allowed them to become well preserved. It is well protected from the elements. The Kivas were created through stone and very specific crafting methods to make them long-lasting and effective for spiritual ceremonies.
Longmen Caves:
The Longmen Caves were created by Emperor Xuan Wu in 508 CE. It was created with the purpose of worship of Buddha and Buddhist ideals specifically. Within the main cave there lies five major figures of different forms of Buddha and his disciples. The entire cave was once painted in various beautiful colours to symbolize the entering of a certain kind of enlightenment when one walked into the spiritual cave. The Buddha's robes have Northern Wei styles as the older culture shines through the newer influences. The Bodhisattvas wear various draperies and jewels while they also depict linear and abstract motifs (such as the Northern Wei style tends to create). The caves are carved out of the rock that was chosen for this purpose. This allows for the artwork to stay longer and to be better preserved. It was also carved into the rock for the reason that there was more opportunity to adorn the ceiling, walls, and the rest of the cave with more spiritual imagery.
The Anasazi's homes were created for the purpose of shelter, storage of food and materials and also for ritualistic purposes. The Mesa Verde was given its name because of its green, flat-topped mountainous region. The insides are well-decorated Kivas with columns and hearths. These Kivas were used for ceremonies and continue to be used today, though it is believed that in the past these spaces were also used for residential purposes. These homes were carved out of the mountains that surround them, these allowed them to become well preserved. It is well protected from the elements. The Kivas were created through stone and very specific crafting methods to make them long-lasting and effective for spiritual ceremonies.
Longmen Caves:
The Longmen Caves were created by Emperor Xuan Wu in 508 CE. It was created with the purpose of worship of Buddha and Buddhist ideals specifically. Within the main cave there lies five major figures of different forms of Buddha and his disciples. The entire cave was once painted in various beautiful colours to symbolize the entering of a certain kind of enlightenment when one walked into the spiritual cave. The Buddha's robes have Northern Wei styles as the older culture shines through the newer influences. The Bodhisattvas wear various draperies and jewels while they also depict linear and abstract motifs (such as the Northern Wei style tends to create). The caves are carved out of the rock that was chosen for this purpose. This allows for the artwork to stay longer and to be better preserved. It was also carved into the rock for the reason that there was more opportunity to adorn the ceiling, walls, and the rest of the cave with more spiritual imagery.