Short courses Indigenous art of the Americas prior to 1300 Tlatilco Figurines By Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank, Dr. Steven Zucker Playful figurines, including plump pigs and canine companions, represent scenes of daily life and nature. Learn more Kunz Axe (Olmec) By Dr. Rex Koontz, Dr. Steven Zucker In spite its name, this jade figure was a ritual object and never used as an axe. Learn more Feline-Head Bottle (Cupisnique) By Dr. Sarahh Scher, Dr. Steven Zucker Multiple points of view are combined in the decoration of this vessel, tip it and see! Learn more Paracas, an introduction By Dr. Mary Brown The major works of Paracas artists are a pinnacle of Andean textile art and acknowledged as among the most accomplished fiber arts ever created. Learn more Pair of Earflares, Winged Messengers (Moche) By Dr. Sarahh Scher, Dr. Steven Zucker Made of gold and inlaid stone, these earflares were probably worn for ceremonies rather than daily. Learn more Moche Portrait Head Bottle By Dr. Sarahh Scher, Dr. Steven Zucker Thousands of ceramic bottles were produced by Moche ceramicists, and many multiples were made using molds. Learn more Inverse-Face Beaker By Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Sarahh Scher Feline fangs, rather than human teeth, suggest that this figure is either supernatural or in contact with deities. Learn more The Mesoamerican ballgame and a Classic Veracruz yoke By Dr. Rex Koontz, Dr. Steven Zucker Take me out to the ballgame: hundreds of courts survive for a ritual ballgame that united Mesoamerican society. Learn more Chakalte’, Relief with Enthroned Ruler By Dr. James Doyle, Dr. Steven Zucker Look up! This elaborate carving could be seen as one walked into the temple, but only VIPs had access. Learn more Mississippian shell neck ornament (gorget) By Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution Found marking the grave of an important individual, this gorget was worn as a neck ornament during life. Learn more Mesa Verde By Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank, Dr. Steven Zucker Remarkable structures in the American Southwest were home to cliff-dwelling farmers until around 1300. Learn more
Tlatilco Figurines By Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank, Dr. Steven Zucker Playful figurines, including plump pigs and canine companions, represent scenes of daily life and nature. Learn more
Kunz Axe (Olmec) By Dr. Rex Koontz, Dr. Steven Zucker In spite its name, this jade figure was a ritual object and never used as an axe. Learn more
Feline-Head Bottle (Cupisnique) By Dr. Sarahh Scher, Dr. Steven Zucker Multiple points of view are combined in the decoration of this vessel, tip it and see! Learn more
Paracas, an introduction By Dr. Mary Brown The major works of Paracas artists are a pinnacle of Andean textile art and acknowledged as among the most accomplished fiber arts ever created. Learn more
Pair of Earflares, Winged Messengers (Moche) By Dr. Sarahh Scher, Dr. Steven Zucker Made of gold and inlaid stone, these earflares were probably worn for ceremonies rather than daily. Learn more
Moche Portrait Head Bottle By Dr. Sarahh Scher, Dr. Steven Zucker Thousands of ceramic bottles were produced by Moche ceramicists, and many multiples were made using molds. Learn more
Inverse-Face Beaker By Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Sarahh Scher Feline fangs, rather than human teeth, suggest that this figure is either supernatural or in contact with deities. Learn more
The Mesoamerican ballgame and a Classic Veracruz yoke By Dr. Rex Koontz, Dr. Steven Zucker Take me out to the ballgame: hundreds of courts survive for a ritual ballgame that united Mesoamerican society. Learn more
Chakalte’, Relief with Enthroned Ruler By Dr. James Doyle, Dr. Steven Zucker Look up! This elaborate carving could be seen as one walked into the temple, but only VIPs had access. Learn more
Mississippian shell neck ornament (gorget) By Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution Found marking the grave of an important individual, this gorget was worn as a neck ornament during life. Learn more
Mesa Verde By Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank, Dr. Steven Zucker Remarkable structures in the American Southwest were home to cliff-dwelling farmers until around 1300. Learn more
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
