SLOKA IYENGAR
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Human hand evolution and hastas (continued)

9/13/2023

1 Comment

 

Human hand evolution and hastas (continued) 

In a previous post, we saw that there may be something very specific and unique about human hands, and how our hands and brains work together. We also looked at hand evolution, which evolved perhaps first for self-defense, and then for gesturing and communicating.

Our hands are incredible feats of nature - we are able to pick soft rose flower petals, play jump rope, embroider and crochet, and lift heavy weights. We can also feel with our hands - we are able to perceive the difference between hot tea and cold water, sandpaper and silk, a peach, and a nectarine. In fact, the Sanskrit word “Kar” (for hand) is also the word for “doing” or “making”. Hence, our hands are culturally and linguistically tied to creation, to the physical act of making things and making ideas through gestures.

Bharatanatyam is distinguished in the ways it precisely and systematically uses hand gestures for aesthetics and communication. The Abhinaya Darpana [1] describes and systematizes a large number of gestures (hastas) and symbols for the Devas (Gods), the planets, famous emperors, seven oceans, famous rivers, trees, animals, flying creatures, and water creatures. These hastas also give us an insight into the geography of India at the time of writing the texts, as there are references to local vegetation and animals; in this way, the study of the hastas is also an in-depth study of history and geography. Through Bharatanatyam and its use of hastas, history is being stored in our hands and dance. 

Literature cited:
  1. The Abhiniya Darpana of Nandikesvara compendium, "The mirror of gestures". By Coomaraswamy. Link here. 
Left: Original Roti (OG Roti) at Animal Help Foundation. Picture credit: Eva Marie Veroeveren
Right: A hasta prescribed in the Abhinaya Darpana [1] called "Madhya-Pataka" where the little finger of the Pataka is bent. This hasta is used to symbolize a dog. 
1 Comment
Julie link
6/20/2024 03:06:16 pm

Thanks for thiis

Reply



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    About Sloka 

    My name is Sloka.  I am a neuroscientist and Bharatanatyam dancer; you can find more about me here. 

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  • About me
    • Profile
    • Service
    • Invited talks and interviews
    • Continuing education
    • Upcoming Public Events
    • Publications
    • Contact me >
      • Ensuring effective collaborations
  • Science
    • Science consulting
    • Global health >
      • Capacity building in global health >
        • Capacity building through leadership
        • Disaster relief
      • Mental health
      • Aging and palliative care
      • Neurological disorders
    • Clinical science
    • Preclinical science
    • Science advocacy >
      • Advocacy activities
      • ABC newsletters
    • Patient communication and advocacy >
      • Patient communication and advocacy (articles)
    • Science education
    • Awards and professional recognition
  • Dance
    • Dance resume >
      • Pictures and videos
      • Community engagement
      • Arts Administration (Biblioteca Madre)
      • SamyuktaNYC
    • Vichaar >
      • Vichaar: Episode 1 transcript
      • Vichaar: Episode 2 transcript
      • Vichaar: testimonials
      • Saṃbhūya
      • The Artful Mind
      • Exploring Early Brain Development through Science and Dance
      • Guru Vandana
    • Bharatanatyam for creative aging >
      • Bharatanatyam for all
      • Bharatanatyam for all: testimonials
      • Bharatanatyam for all: instructional videos
      • For Seniors, By Seniors >
        • Seniors & Financial Decisions
        • Staying Fit As We Age
        • Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Help
        • Embrace the Empty Nest
        • Empty Nesters Seeking Proximity to Their Children
        • The Bumps of a Midlife Crisis
        • Healthy Living for Seniors
        • Forging a Resilient Future
        • Beyond Medicare and Social Security
        • Seniors Living Independently
        • A Harmonious Multigenerational Household
        • Mental Health Boosts
        • Start Your Home-Based Business After Retirement
        • Reclaiming Mental Wellness