Unit 3. CARVING.
Read and pronounce the following words. Pay attention to the letters
In italics.
-(s)sion, -tion [ƒn] expre ssion, decora tion, classifica tion, impre ssion, posi tion.
[Zn] fu sion, vi sion, deci sion, confu sion.
-qu(e) [k] anti que, uni que, tur qu oise, techni que.
2. Form new words using the suffix ive. Translate them and determine their part of speech.
Decorate - .
Collect -
Impress -
Initiate - .
Mass -
Correct -
Direct - .
3. Read the following international words, check the pronunciation and guess their meaning:
Figure, object, material, term, sculpture, history, mask, ceremony, archaeologists, alabaster, civilization, cylinder, massive, decorate, period, religious, panel.
Read the words and word combinations given bellow and pay attention to their translation.
1. to designate , .
2. horn .
3. intricate , .
4. turquoise .
5. sealing wax .
6. Aztec ( ).
7. to chisel .
8. high-powered .
9. fan , .
10. totem-pole .
11. stelae pl stela , .
12. to pierce , .
Read and translate the text.
Carving.
Carvingis the art of cutting figures, ornaments, or decorative objects by hand from such materials as stone, marble, wood, ivory, bone, and shell. The term sculpturedesignates large carvings in stone, marble, or wood. The term carvingapplies to small sculptures and to decorations that are carved on furniture or parts of buildings.
The art of carving is older than recorded history. Archaeologists have found examples of carved bone and horn which early peoples made during the Stone Age. People of today carve many objects from wood. Carved masks are outstanding examples of art from Africa. Islanders in the South Pacific Ocean work with simple tools to make ceremonial objects, as well as everyday tools and utensils. Craftworkers carve intricate decorations on houses, coconut shells, and canoe prows.
The ancient Egyptians cut beautiful objects from wood, ivory, alabaster, stone, turquoise, and other materials. Many such pieces are remarkable because they were carved from extremely hard stone, such as diorite or porphyry. Egyptian craftworkers made gems with intaglios , that is, with designs cut in their surfaces. People used the gems to make an impression in sealing wax.
Mesopotamian civilizations also used intaglios. The ancient Sumerians and Babylonians carved cylinder seals from coloured stone. When these were rolled over soft clay, they left impressions. Early peoples in the Western Hemisphere also made use of carving. The Aztec, Maya, and Zapotec Indians chiselled figures on stone pyramids. These tribes also carved in jade and obsidian(volcanic glass).
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Many Native Americans of Alaska and Canada carved wood. The Haida Indians of the Northwest Coast were famous totem-pole makers, and were known for their high-powered canoes.
The Greeks and Romans carved precious stones. They also worked with ivory, and produced many pieces of beautiful sculpture. Japanese craftworkers became noted for their ivory figures and fans.
The early Christians in Egypt, called Copts,used carved wood for ceilings and for screens. Woodcarving spread throughout the Arab world and into Spain. Outstanding examples of Arabic achievements in carving include the Mudejar wood ceiling in the Archbishop's Palace in Alcala, and the carved wonders of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The latter contains especially beautiful arches, ceilings, and doors. The carved ceiling of the Capella Palatina in Palermo, Sicily, is another masterpiece.
Woodcarvers decorated church stalls in Gothic churches. They also produced simple, sturdy, and massive pieces of furniture during the Gothic period. During the Italian Renaissance, craftworkers panelled rooms with carved decorations. Baroqueand rococo architecture also featured carvings of wood.
Oriental art has produced many examples of carving. The Ajanta Caves in India, which artists cut out of cliffs, contain examples of great artistry. So do many Oriental temples. Craftworkers have decorated outside walls of many of these structures. They have also carved figures on stone stelae,or pillars, to tell religious stories. The decorations of the Taj Mahal are another example of this art. They include delicate panelling and pierced marble windows and screens. The Chinese used simple tools to produce many beautiful jade pieces.
Carving as a hobby. The beginner usually prefers to carve in materials which are easy to cut. Woodcarving has always been popular for most beginners. A form of gypsum called alabasteris easy to carve and takes a high polish. Soap is an inexpensive and easily moulded material.
6. Suggest the English for the following words. Recall the situations they are used in the text:
, , , , , , , .
7. Say if these sentences are true or false, using the information from the text. Be ready to correct them:
1.The term sculpturemeans carvings in stone, marble, or wood.
2. Modern men carve many objects from soap.
3. The ancient Egyptians cut beautiful objects from diorite and porphyry.
4. Intaglio is a design which cut in gem`s surface.
5. Ivory figures and fans were typical of Roman craftworkers.
Gypsum and wood are easy to carve so experienced carvers prefer to work with them.
