Arts of Southeast Asia and the Himalayas: The Sacred and the Secular

Spring 2012. Join us as we explore the art of Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. Featuring prominent scholars and curators from across the country, these lectures will showcase many treasures of the Asian Art Museum and illuminate sacred and secular traditions: from the steamy kingdoms in the east and south of India to the mountainous realms to the north. Some lecturers will focus on reigns and regions—including Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Tibet, and Vietnam. Others will delve into cultural connections and religious traditions, including Hinduism, Theravada and Vajrayana (Esoteric) Buddhism. Common themes throughout the series include sacred space, belief and ritual practice, kingship, and trade. This lecture series coincides with the second semester of a three-year training program for new Asian Art Museum docents. Brought to you by the Society for Asian Art.