The Native Arts of the Americas

1. The Native Arts of the Americas

2. Arctic Region • Inuit- or Eskimos • Compared to hunters and boat builders, artists did not play a huge role until recent times • Focused on the animals that they relied on for food • The human figure was depicted in masks and dolls

3. Ivory Engraving • Inuit artists used a form of picture writing to describe various activities of everyday life

5. Inuit Masks • Art created to serve the religious needs of the people • Shaman- leader believed to have healing powers wore these masks during ceremonial dances

8. Hamatsa Masks • Composed of several movable hinged pieces • Movement was intended to add surprise and drama to the ritual

10. The Power of Ritual • Hamatsa rituals were carefully staged for dramatic impact • They often celebrated with a potlatch, an elaborate ceremonial feast, also used for trading and trusting other groups of people • Honored other clan members

11. Totem Poles • Tall posts carved and painted with a series of animal symbols associated with a particular family or clan. • Means of identification and a sign of prestige • The more symbols the greater the prestige

15. Southwest Region • Early Spanish explorers used the word pueblo, meaning village, to identify groups of people • Adobe- walls made of sun-dried clay • Kiva- a circular underground structure

18. Pueblo Pottery • Pueblo people were also very skilled at making painted pottery

21. The Navajo • The majority of the art from these people was the art of weaving. • Qualities include the closeness of the weave; rich vibrant colors; and bold design • This was called the eye dazzler • Ex. Saddle blanket

24. Woodlands Region (Northeast) • Mounds- form of high, narrow ridges of earth that encircle large fields • Purpose remains a subject for debate but many believe that they were built to create an impressive setting for spiritual ceremonies.

25. The Great Serpent Mound

26. Adena mounds • Many tools, weapons, ornaments, and pottery pieces have been found underneath these mounds, but the most impressive art is the carvings. • Ex. Adena pipe

28. The Iroquois Tribe • Expert wood carvers • Created wooden masks usually decorated with horse hair

30. Art in Mexico and in Central and South America • The Olmec- 1st great civilization in Mexico • Most surprising works were gigantic heads carved in volcanic rock • 18 have been discovered thus far • 8 feet high and 40 tons

33. Olmec Sculpture • Jadeite masks- may have graced the tombs of Olmec rulers

35. The Maya • The Mayan religion believed that gods created humans through self- sacrifice and the first people were made by mixing maize, or corn with water. • Humans were then required to return blood to the gods to maintain strength and nourishment.

36. Mayan Architecture • Temples and other structures were built with a cement-like compound made from burnt lime • Pyramids were up to 230 feet high • Ex. Mayan city at Tikal

38. The Aztecs • Tenochtitlan- main city that was built on an island in the lake containing huge palaces, temples, gardens, schools, arsenals, workshops, and sophisticated canals and aqueducts. • Warlike people who fought for religious beliefs • Believed in human sacrifice to keep gods in good spirits

43. The Incas • Best known of all ancient people who settled in Peru • No written language • Built roads and bridges

44. Inca Architecture • Solid structures of stone • They may have been placed in a sling of some kind and then swung against those that were placed below and beside it. • Ex. Machu Picchu- Inca city in between 2 mountain peaks 8000 ft. above sea level