Cave art at Mogao reflects changing beliefs as well as stylistic influences from India, the West, and the Tang.
The British Museum
Hidden in a cave and undisturbed for centuries, this important collection of paintings was rediscovered in 1900.
The paintings and manuscripts from cave 17 ...
This Mexica water goddess was believed to have presided over the fourth, or most recent, sun.
Stone kneeling figure of Chalchiuhtlicue
At the center of Ur, a rubbish dump grew over the centuries—it evolved into a cemetery for the elite.
Standard of Ur and other objects from ...
Through interactions with other Mediterranean cultures, ancient Greek potters developed new techniques.
Sophilos: a new direction in Greek pottery
Rebellion was not uncommon at the fringes of the Roman Empire, and the people of Judea were no exception.
Silver shekel of the Second Jewish Revolt
Identifying which god this mask represents has proven a slippery task.
Serpent mask of Quetzalcoatl or Tlaloc
This virtuosic carving represents a creator god. It is one of the finest pieces of Polynesian sculpture in the West.
Rurutu figure known as A’a
In ancient Rome, official portraits were full of political messages. What does Vespasian’s portrait say about him?
Portrait of Vespasian
Islanders grew fruit trees and used the wood to carve figures. This one depicts Ku, the “land snatcher.”
Polynesia, an introduction
What do the moon landing and rock art have in common?
Origins of rock art in Africa
Jade was a prized material for the Olmec, and their carving has been found throughout Mesoamerica and beyond.
Olmec Jade
The turquoise, shell and other materials used on this mask were collected from the far reaches of the Aztec empire.
Mosaic mask of Tezcatlipoca
This rare survival of a Mesoamerican pre-Hispanic book records the life and times of ruler Eight Deer Jaguar-Claw.
Codex Zouche-Nuttall
The small-scale societies of these islands became famous in the West for their ceremonial wooden carvings.
Melanesia, an introduction
Medieval craftsmen decorated metal by hammering from behind, a technique called repoussé. Watch it here!
Medieval Goldsmiths
Carved lintels were commissioned by elites and attest to ritual activities, like bloodletting.
Maya: The Yaxchilán Lintels
Vessels like this are an important source of information about Maya society since few of their books survive.
Maya: The Fenton Vase
The god of war rules the world outside these sacred spaces, but inside, peace and calm prevail.
Maori meeting house
Collected from Papua New Guinea in the 1880s, this figure would otherwise have been destroyed after its ritual use.