These datable potsherds offer clues to travel and trade in the central Pacific, or “sea of islands.”
AP Art History
This intriguing artifact has a 3,500-year history. The latest chapter? A political debate over cultural heritage.
Ambum Stone
In an ancient North African “rock city,” modern explorers wetted a wall with water—revealing this graceful image.
Running Horned Woman, Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria
Though some debated that this was made by humans, scholars are now confident some of its markings were hand-carved.
Camelid sacrum in the shape of a ...
This stone marker depicts an abstracted human. How should we interpret one of the Arabia’s earliest artifacts?
Anthropomorphic stele
This beautiful pot was created over 5,000 years ago, and its decoration echoes its shape.
Bushel with ibex motifs
Found in large numbers in burials, these Chinese carvings constitutes an enormous effort by skilled craftsman.
Jade Cong
What can a few stones tell us about the origins of art? More than you might think!
Apollo 11 Cave Stones
Mysteries surround the cave paintings at Lascaux, but it’s clear our use of images has a long history.
Hall of Bulls, Lascaux
Playful figurines, including plump pigs and canine companions, represent scenes of daily life and nature.