Overall Concepts
Major Civilizations
art ConceptsAncient MesoAmerica (Olmec, Maya, Mexica/Aztec)
Similar calendars, pyramidal stepped structures, buildings orientated to sacred mountains and celestial phenomenon, highly valued green materials (jadeite, quetzal feathers) Central America (Chavin, Inka) o Most Andean art seem to be made by collaborative groups o Hierarchy of art – featherwork, textiles, and greenstone on top, metalwork, bone, obsidian, and stone in the middle, wood and ceramic on the bottom o Terrestrial art about nature, environment, and nature o Abstract art about the afterlife, cosmos, and humans transforming into animals o Almost all art became grave goods for afterlife o Andes people practiced earliest and most persistent mummification North America o Includes earthworks, stone/adobe architecture, wood and bone carving, weaving and basketry, hide painting, ceramics, quillwork and beadwork o Mostly ritual objects to wear, carry, or use during special ceremonies o The more active a work of art, the more it is believed to contain and transfer life force and power o Centuries of interaction between colonial people has evolved what is considered traditional (Like the inclusion of the horse and glass beads) o Larger ideas of harmony with nature, oneness with animals, respect for elders, community cohesion, dream guidance, shamanic leadership, and participation in large rituals o Audience for art was the entire group, but some objects were for sacred and political nature and only viewed by some o Patrons would be tribal elders or family member
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ResourcesTlatilco Figure
Roadtrippers Guide to Mesa Verde Videos Chavin de Huantar Tentochtitlan Serpent Mound Kwakiutl Ceremonial Dance VocabularyMesoamerica
Pre-Columbian Effigy mound Earthwork Ashlar masonry Courses |
List of Artworks
Peru (South America)
Chavin de Huantar City of Cusco Maize Cobs City of Machu Picchu All-T’oqapu Tunic Mexico (Central America) Yaxchilan Chiapas Templo Mayor Mexico City Ruler’s feather headdress Mexica |
North America
Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings Colorado Great Serpent Mound Ohio Bandolier Bag Eastern Woodlands Transformation Mask Canada Painted elk Hide Wyoming Black on Black ceramic vessel New Mexico |