June Meeting with Gerry Dyck
Astronomical Motifs in Southeast Asian Bronze Drums
Seagrave Observatory
June 6, 2008 at 7:30 pm
My talk will center on the symbolism found on the faces of Southeast Asian bronze drums - a central star figure radiating outward through a series of concentric circles containing figures of fish & fowl, flowers & grains, all flanked by four frogs at the cardinal points. The majority of scholars have seen in these drum faces a miniature picture of the life-giving nature of the sun. One modern researcher, however, suggests a simpler solution. The talk will show the origins, method of casting, and the process of making art rubbings to document the variety of patterns found. I will also display some of my drum rubbings made from the drums of the Karen people of northwestern Thailand. The talk is not primarily astronomical, though it has some interesting astronomical features. Keep in mind the adage, "when correctly viewed, everything is astronomical."
Nathan Pelletier, a high school student from Tiverton RI being mentored by Gerry Dyck, will also present his science project on the solar corona and demonstrate his newly-built solar spectroscope.
Get directions to Seagrave Observatory
June 6, 2008 at 7:30 pm
My talk will center on the symbolism found on the faces of Southeast Asian bronze drums - a central star figure radiating outward through a series of concentric circles containing figures of fish & fowl, flowers & grains, all flanked by four frogs at the cardinal points. The majority of scholars have seen in these drum faces a miniature picture of the life-giving nature of the sun. One modern researcher, however, suggests a simpler solution. The talk will show the origins, method of casting, and the process of making art rubbings to document the variety of patterns found. I will also display some of my drum rubbings made from the drums of the Karen people of northwestern Thailand. The talk is not primarily astronomical, though it has some interesting astronomical features. Keep in mind the adage, "when correctly viewed, everything is astronomical."
Nathan Pelletier, a high school student from Tiverton RI being mentored by Gerry Dyck, will also present his science project on the solar corona and demonstrate his newly-built solar spectroscope.
Get directions to Seagrave Observatory