What does music mean to \o7you\f7?
For people in India, music is a way to express religious devotion. It has always been closely identified with Hindu gods and goddesses. Pictured below is a sculpture from India that was made more than 900 years ago. It shows the popular Hindu god Krishna playing a musical instrument. Can you identify what instrument it is?
If you guessed the flute, you would be correct. This sculpture is made of stone, but a real Indian flute is most often crafted from bamboo.
Krishna stands below a flowering tree. Surrounding him are miniature figures, including cows, musicians and admirers. Legend has it that Krishna was raised by milkmaids in an idyllic village known as Brindavan. It is said that when Krishna played the flute, the enchanting melodies would charm the young ladies. Even wild animals became tame when they heard the flute's gentle tones.
In modern-day India, as in ancient times, music is a vital part of everyday life. During religious rituals and ceremonies, bells ring, drums beat and woodwinds, like the flute, fill the air with music.
Explore the world of sound and music in Hindu sculpture, then create your own special musical instrument at the Norton Simon Museum's Family Day "Rattles, Flutes, Bells and Vinas," on Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. Museum admission is always free for children 18 and younger. Go to www.nortonsimon.org or call (626) 844-6980 for more information.
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This Learning Link was provided by the education department at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, where the 210 and 134 freeways meet.
