Arts of the Americas

Arts of the Americas

Professor A. D’Ascoli

Mesoamerica

Early Americas – Aztec & Early Americas – Aztec & MayaMaya

Mesoamerican & Andean Mesoamerican & Andean CivilizationsCivilizations

30,000-8,000 BCE - stone age-highly mobile hunting 30,000-8,000 BCE - stone age-highly mobile hunting and gathering groups in pursuit of large gameand gathering groups in pursuit of large game

8000-2000 BCE - hunters & gatherers-disappearance 8000-2000 BCE - hunters & gatherers-disappearance of large game leads to switch to small game, of large game leads to switch to small game, gathering, fishing, and beginnings of agriculture and gathering, fishing, and beginnings of agriculture and village lifevillage life

3500-1700 BCE – Valdivia culture -early ceramics3500-1700 BCE – Valdivia culture -early ceramics-fertility figurines-fertility figurines

2000-200 BCE - improvements in agriculture, culture, 2000-200 BCE - improvements in agriculture, culture, and social structures (Called Pre-Classical Era)and social structures (Called Pre-Classical Era)

1300 – 600 BCE - Olmecs beginnings of hieroglyphic 1300 – 600 BCE - Olmecs beginnings of hieroglyphic writing & calendar usage developments in art, writing & calendar usage developments in art, ceramics, weavings, feline cultceramics, weavings, feline cult

900 – 500 BCE – Olmec monolithic stone heads at 900 – 500 BCE – Olmec monolithic stone heads at Chavín (La Venta)Chavín (La Venta)


250 BCE – 1000 CE – Mayan Civilization flourishes in 250 BCE – 1000 CE – Mayan Civilization flourishes in Guatemala, Mexico, Belize and Honduras – Mayans Guatemala, Mexico, Belize and Honduras – Mayans also built pyramids, focused on astronomy and also built pyramids, focused on astronomy and believed time moved in cycles every 52 years, believed time moved in cycles every 52 years, animalistic and nature based religion – Palenque and animalistic and nature based religion – Palenque and Tikal become great cities – ball games to the death - Tikal become great cities – ball games to the death - disappeared due to ecological disasterdisappeared due to ecological disaster

200 BCE – 1000 CE is called the Classical Era200 BCE – 1000 CE is called the Classical Era - - emergence of cities, social stratification; flowering of emergence of cities, social stratification; flowering of material culturematerial culture

200 BCE – 600 CE – Paracas culture-weaving & 200 BCE – 600 CE – Paracas culture-weaving & mummy bundlesmummy bundles

200 BCE – 200 CE – Nazca culture - Nazca lines, earth 200 BCE – 200 CE – Nazca culture - Nazca lines, earth drawingsdrawings

200 BCE – 700 CE – Moche culture – in Peru; pottery 200 BCE – 700 CE – Moche culture – in Peru; pottery with realistic painting; built pyramids called with realistic painting; built pyramids called huacashuacas – – disappeared due to earthquake and subsequent disappeared due to earthquake and subsequent ecological damage ecological damage


300 – 900 CE Monte Albán culture300 – 900 CE Monte Albán culture-architecture (city on high, large platform)-architecture (city on high, large platform)

400 – 800 CE – Zapotec culture400 – 800 CE – Zapotec culture 100-800 CE – Teotihuacan Culture -large 100-800 CE – Teotihuacan Culture -large

urban center; Pyramids of the Sun and urban center; Pyramids of the Sun and Moon; theocratic rule, disappeared due to Moon; theocratic rule, disappeared due to ecological disasterecological disaster

600 – 800 CE – Huari culture - rise of large 600 – 800 CE – Huari culture - rise of large urban cities & empiresurban cities & empires

600 – 1000 CE - Tiwanaku culture -600 – 1000 CE - Tiwanaku culture -monolithic stone architecturemonolithic stone architecture


1000-1492 CE – Post Classical Era - Urban, stratified, 1000-1492 CE – Post Classical Era - Urban, stratified, militarized, imperialistic; no important technological militarized, imperialistic; no important technological advancesadvances

900 – 1200 CE – Toltec culture - formation of 900 – 1200 CE – Toltec culture - formation of militaristic empires, wars, invasions, population militaristic empires, wars, invasions, population increase & pressureincrease & pressure

1000 – 1476 CE - Cholula, Tarascan, Texcoco and 1000 – 1476 CE - Cholula, Tarascan, Texcoco and Chimú cultures - very large city at Chan-chan with Chimú cultures - very large city at Chan-chan with panaqapanaqa burial compounds burial compounds

1300 – 1532 CE – Inca Civilization (Tawantinsuyu) - 1300 – 1532 CE – Inca Civilization (Tawantinsuyu) - sophisticated and very efficient organizational and sophisticated and very efficient organizational and administrative structures, road engineering administrative structures, road engineering comparable to Romans, destroyed by Spanish comparable to Romans, destroyed by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarroconquistador Francisco Pizarro

1350 – 1521 CE – Aztecs (Mexicas) - militaristic tribute 1350 – 1521 CE – Aztecs (Mexicas) - militaristic tribute empire, calendars, astronomy, human sacrifice – empire, calendars, astronomy, human sacrifice – destroyed by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortezdestroyed by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez

Mesoamerican ArtMesoamerican Art

Colossal HeadColossal Head 900 – 500 BCE900 – 500 BCE Chavin (La Venta), MexicoChavin (La Venta), Mexico SculptureSculpture Olmec CultureOlmec Culture There are several of these There are several of these

gigantic heads that have gigantic heads that have been discoveredbeen discovered

Believed to be portraits of Believed to be portraits of Olmec rulersOlmec rulers

Mesoamerican ArtMesoamerican Art TeotihuacanTeotihuacan 350 – 650 CE350 – 650 CE Teotihuacan, MexicoTeotihuacan, Mexico ArchitectureArchitecture Pyramid of the Sun is Pyramid of the Sun is

seen in the back of seen in the back of photophoto

Teotihuacan was over 9 Teotihuacan was over 9 square miles and was square miles and was home to approx 150,000 home to approx 150,000 peoplepeople

Their culture Their culture disappeared due to the disappeared due to the ecological disaster of ecological disaster of depleting their landdepleting their land

TeotihuacanTeotihuacan

MayansMayans


TikalTikal 700 CE700 CE Tikal, GuatemalaTikal, Guatemala ArchitectureArchitecture Mayan CultureMayan Culture Mayans performed their Mayans performed their

ritual in the open not in ritual in the open not in secretsecret

Tikal covers 6 square Tikal covers 6 square miles and has 6 miles and has 6 pyramidal buildings like pyramidal buildings like this onethis one

TikalTikal


Ballgame FieldBallgame Field 700 CE700 CE Tikal, GuatemalaTikal, Guatemala ArchitectureArchitecture Mayan ballgames were Mayan ballgames were

part of ritual lifepart of ritual life The winners were The winners were

treated as heroestreated as heroes The leader of the losing The leader of the losing

team was sacrificedteam was sacrificed


Temple of InscriptionsTemple of Inscriptions 77thth century CE century CE Palenque, MexicoPalenque, Mexico ArchitectureArchitecture MayanMayan This temple is inscribed This temple is inscribed

with the history of the with the history of the Palenque kings and Palenque kings and within it is the grave of within it is the grave of Pacal, one of the kingsPacal, one of the kings

Mesoamerican ArtMesoamerican Art Sarcophagus LidSarcophagus Lid 683 CE683 CE Palenque, MexicoPalenque, Mexico Relief SculptureRelief Sculpture MayanMayan Lid to Pacal’s tomb Lid to Pacal’s tomb

inside the Temple of inside the Temple of InscriptionsInscriptions

It represents the fall It represents the fall into the earth to the into the earth to the roots of the tree of life roots of the tree of life – where the Mayans – where the Mayans believed heaven wasbelieved heaven was

Pacal’s TombPacal’s Tomb

Mesoamerican ArtMesoamerican Art Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Pyramid of Kukulkan (El

Castillo)Castillo) 800-1200 CE800-1200 CE ArchitectureArchitecture Chichen Itza, MexicoChichen Itza, Mexico Each stairway has 91 Each stairway has 91

steps, plus the platform steps, plus the platform = 365= 365

On June 21 the stairway On June 21 the stairway reflects the shadow of reflects the shadow of the serpentthe serpent

9 layers represent the 9 layers represent the region of the deadregion of the dead

Aztec Art - SerpentsAztec Art - Serpents


Observatory Observatory (Carocal)(Carocal)

800 – 1200 CE800 – 1200 CE Chichen Itza, MexicoChichen Itza, Mexico ArchitectureArchitecture Thought by some to Thought by some to

be an observation be an observation tower for the Mayans tower for the Mayans to follow the to follow the procession of the sun procession of the sun and starsand stars

Mesoamerican ArtMesoamerican Art Chac MoolChac Mool 800-1200 CE800-1200 CE Chicen Itza, MexicoChicen Itza, Mexico SculptureSculpture Possibly an early Possibly an early

ruler of the Maya or ruler of the Maya or ToltecsToltecs

Chaac is the rain Chaac is the rain god – so possibly god – so possibly related related

AztecAztec

Aztec tzompantli

http://history.missouristate.edu/jchuchiak/HST%20350--Theme%203--Aztec_religious_rituals.htm

Typical Aztec Temple

http://history.missouristate.edu/jchuchiak/HST%20350--Theme%203--Aztec_religious_rituals.htm


CoatlicueCoatlicue 1515thth century CE century CE Mexico City, MexicoMexico City, Mexico SculptureSculpture Aztec cultureAztec culture Serpent features Serpent features

and skull to show and skull to show power and fear of power and fear of Aztec godsAztec gods

Mesoamerican ArtMesoamerican Art The Founding of The Founding of

TenochtitlanTenochtitlan 1616thth century CE century CE Aztec CultureAztec Culture Illuminated ManuscriptIlluminated Manuscript From the Codex From the Codex

MendozaMendoza The skull rack in the The skull rack in the

right center panel right center panel shows the Aztec affinity shows the Aztec affinity to human sacrificeto human sacrifice

Shows the legend of the Shows the legend of the Eagle, cactus and Eagle, cactus and serpent in founding the serpent in founding the citycity


Aztec CalendarAztec Calendar 1414thth century century Mexico City, MexicoMexico City, Mexico Relief SculptureRelief Sculpture AztecAztec Like the Mayans, the Like the Mayans, the

Aztecs believed the Aztecs believed the world went in cyclesworld went in cycles

Both calendars end on Both calendars end on Dec 22 and Dec 24 in Dec 22 and Dec 24 in 2012 respectively2012 respectively

Moche CivilizationMoche Civilization


Huaca del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun)Huaca del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) 500 CE500 CE Moche Valley, PeruMoche Valley, Peru ArchitectureArchitecture Moche cultureMoche culture This was destroyed by the Spanish by diverting a This was destroyed by the Spanish by diverting a

river to find gold inside of itriver to find gold inside of it Built of over 143 million mud bricksBuilt of over 143 million mud bricks

Andean ArtAndean Art Moche Lord with a Moche Lord with a

FelineFeline 100 BCE – 500 CE100 BCE – 500 CE PotteryPottery Moche CivilizationMoche Civilization The Moche were The Moche were

famous for their famous for their pottery and gold pottery and gold artifactsartifacts

These vessels were These vessels were buried with the deadburied with the dead

Moche GoldMoche Gold

Early Americas - IncaEarly Americas - Inca

Andean ArtAndean Art Machu PicchuMachu Picchu 1450 CE1450 CE Machu Picchu, PeruMachu Picchu, Peru ArchitectureArchitecture IncanIncan Built as a citadel, Built as a citadel,

high in the Andes, high in the Andes, this city was never this city was never taken by the taken by the Spanish conquest – Spanish conquest – but it was but it was abandonedabandoned

Andean ArtAndean Art

HummingbirdHummingbird 200 BCE – 200 CE200 BCE – 200 CE Nazca Plains, PeruNazca Plains, Peru Relief SculptureRelief Sculpture Hundreds of these Hundreds of these

designs cover the plain designs cover the plain – most cannot be seen – most cannot be seen except from the airexcept from the air

Lines point to water Lines point to water sourcessources

Nazca LinesNazca Lines

Mesoamerican Erotic ArtMesoamerican Erotic Art

Native American Native American CivilizationsCivilizations 40,000 -10,000 BCE – Migrations from Asia into 40,000 -10,000 BCE – Migrations from Asia into

the Americasthe Americas 15,000 – 7,000 BCE – Clovis people - Paleo-Indian 15,000 – 7,000 BCE – Clovis people - Paleo-Indian

hunters spread throughout the North American hunters spread throughout the North American grasslands into the American Southwest. They grasslands into the American Southwest. They manufacture unique projectile (fluted) points manufacture unique projectile (fluted) points knows as Clovis, Folsom, and Sandia, named after knows as Clovis, Folsom, and Sandia, named after respective archeological sites in New Mexico. respective archeological sites in New Mexico. These Clovis people are big game hunters and These Clovis people are big game hunters and sought the mastodon, now extinctsought the mastodon, now extinct

3500 BCE – Oldest continuous culture in North 3500 BCE – Oldest continuous culture in North America appears in Pacific Northwest; create America appears in Pacific Northwest; create totem poles (mortuary poles) and celebrate totem poles (mortuary poles) and celebrate potlaches (elaborate ceremonies)potlaches (elaborate ceremonies)

2000 - 1500 BCE - People in what is now the 2000 - 1500 BCE - People in what is now the American Southeast first make pottery American Southeast first make pottery

North American CivilizationsNorth American Civilizations 1100 BCE - The canoe comes into regular use 1100 BCE - The canoe comes into regular use

among Native American people in the eastern and among Native American people in the eastern and northeastern sections of the area that is now the northeastern sections of the area that is now the United States. United States.

1000 BCE – 1000 CE - In what is now the United 1000 BCE – 1000 CE - In what is now the United States, mound building characterizes the Eastern States, mound building characterizes the Eastern and Midwestern native cultures.and Midwestern native cultures.

1000 BCE – 1000 CE - In the Southwest: the 1000 BCE – 1000 CE - In the Southwest: the Hohokam, Pueblo, Anasazi and Mogollan people Hohokam, Pueblo, Anasazi and Mogollan people build irrigation canals, agricultural villages, roads build irrigation canals, agricultural villages, roads and complex ceremonial centers.and complex ceremonial centers.

1000 BCE – 1000 CE - On the Plains, people hunt 1000 BCE – 1000 CE - On the Plains, people hunt buffalo on foot and live in fortified, semi-sedentary buffalo on foot and live in fortified, semi-sedentary villages. villages.

200 BCE – The Hopewell period begins for peoples 200 BCE – The Hopewell period begins for peoples of the central United States. Large earth mounds of the central United States. Large earth mounds are constructed by various groups in the are constructed by various groups in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.

North American CivilizationsNorth American Civilizations 700 - 1100 CE - The Anasazi culture evolves into its 700 - 1100 CE - The Anasazi culture evolves into its

Pueblo period. This is a developmental stage that Pueblo period. This is a developmental stage that sees the use of adobe bricks, stone slabs, or mud and sees the use of adobe bricks, stone slabs, or mud and sticks in home building. Kivas (underground sticks in home building. Kivas (underground ceremonial chambers) and cotton fabrics come into ceremonial chambers) and cotton fabrics come into use. Around 900, the pueblo (Chaco Canyon includes use. Around 900, the pueblo (Chaco Canyon includes Pueblo Bonito, Casa Rinconada (kiva), Chetro Ketl) Pueblo Bonito, Casa Rinconada (kiva), Chetro Ketl) structures in the American Southwest are structures in the American Southwest are constructed.constructed.

1100 - Hopis in the American Southwest (Chaco 1100 - Hopis in the American Southwest (Chaco Canyon and Pueblo Bonito), use coal for cooking and Canyon and Pueblo Bonito), use coal for cooking and heating. heating.

1100 - 1300 - - The Pueblo culture (Anasazi) in the 1100 - 1300 - - The Pueblo culture (Anasazi) in the northern Arizona and New Mexico area reaches its northern Arizona and New Mexico area reaches its height (Pueblo Bonito), with large apartment-type height (Pueblo Bonito), with large apartment-type structures and many material goods. structures and many material goods.

1150 - The pueblo of Oraibi (north-eastern Arizona) is 1150 - The pueblo of Oraibi (north-eastern Arizona) is founded, the oldest continuously occupied town in the founded, the oldest continuously occupied town in the present-day United States. present-day United States.

1275 - - Many Southwest pueblos are abandoned due 1275 - - Many Southwest pueblos are abandoned due to drought and Athapaskan raiding parties from the to drought and Athapaskan raiding parties from the north. north.

North American CivilizationsNorth American Civilizations

1300 - - Hopis use coal for making pottery. 1300 - - Hopis use coal for making pottery. 1300 - 1600 - - The great Temple Mound or 1300 - 1600 - - The great Temple Mound or

Middle Mississippi civilization flourishes. Middle Mississippi civilization flourishes. The highly agricultural civilization is The highly agricultural civilization is characterized by separate republics, each characterized by separate republics, each having a central city, temple mounds and a having a central city, temple mounds and a chief's house. This is one of the greatest chief's house. This is one of the greatest North American native civilizationsNorth American native civilizations

1600 - Members of the Franciscan order 1600 - Members of the Franciscan order from Mexico establish missions in Hopi from Mexico establish missions in Hopi areas (now Arizona and New Mexico)areas (now Arizona and New Mexico)

Early Americas – North Early Americas – North AmericaAmerica

Native American ArtNative American Art

Haida Mortuary PolesHaida Mortuary Poles 18781878 Skedans Village, CanadaSkedans Village, Canada Architecture/SculptureArchitecture/Sculpture Pacific Northwest CulturePacific Northwest Culture AKA Totem PolesAKA Totem Poles Carved to honor a leader Carved to honor a leader

on his deathon his death Served spiritual functionServed spiritual function From carved out canoesFrom carved out canoes

Native American ArtNative American Art Mesa VerdeMesa Verde 1200 – 1300 CE1200 – 1300 CE Mesa Verde, ColoradoMesa Verde, Colorado ArchitectureArchitecture Anasazi CultureAnasazi Culture Built around kivas – Built around kivas –

circular ceremonial circular ceremonial underground roomsunderground rooms

These villages were These villages were made of adobe mud made of adobe mud brick and called brick and called Pueblos by the Pueblos by the SpaniardsSpaniards

The Anasazi farmed The Anasazi farmed on the mesa aboveon the mesa above

Native American ArtNative American Art Great Serpent MoundGreat Serpent Mound 600 BCE – 200 CE600 BCE – 200 CE Adams County, OhioAdams County, Ohio ArchitectureArchitecture MoundbuildersMoundbuilders Considered the most Considered the most

spectacular of the spectacular of the over 500 mounds in over 500 mounds in Ohio ValleyOhio Valley

Built by Adena CultureBuilt by Adena Culture Burial site but what it Burial site but what it

symbolizes is symbolizes is unknownunknown

Native American ArtNative American Art

Monk’s MoundMonk’s Mound 1050 – 1250 CE1050 – 1250 CE Cahokia, IllinoisCahokia, Illinois ArchitectureArchitecture MoundbuildersMoundbuilders Largest of all the moundsLargest of all the mounds Biggest earthwork Biggest earthwork

construction in North construction in North AmericaAmerica

Originally rose in 4 Originally rose in 4 stages and reached a stages and reached a height of 100 feet height of 100 feet covering 16 acrescovering 16 acres

AfricaAfrica

African CivilizationsAfrican Civilizations

6,000,000 – 2,500,000 BCE – first hominids in East 6,000,000 – 2,500,000 BCE – first hominids in East African Rift ValleyAfrican Rift Valley

600,000 – 200,000 BCE – First use of fire; use of caves 600,000 – 200,000 BCE – First use of fire; use of caves as dwellings; first as dwellings; first homo sapienshomo sapiens; first stone tool usage; first stone tool usage

25,000 – 10,000 BCE – rock paintings in North and 25,000 – 10,000 BCE – rock paintings in North and South AfricaSouth Africa

6000 – 4000 BCE – The River People emerge along the 6000 – 4000 BCE – The River People emerge along the Nile, Niger and Congo Rivers; The Isonghee of Zaire Nile, Niger and Congo Rivers; The Isonghee of Zaire (Republic of Congo) introduce mathematical abacus; (Republic of Congo) introduce mathematical abacus; and Cyclopean stone tombs built in Central African and Cyclopean stone tombs built in Central African Republic area; Spread of agriculture south of the Republic area; Spread of agriculture south of the Sahara Desert supporting a growing population, which Sahara Desert supporting a growing population, which mastered animal domestication and agriculture mastered animal domestication and agriculture

African CivilizationsAfrican Civilizations 5000 – 31 BCE – Egyptian civilization flourishes5000 – 31 BCE – Egyptian civilization flourishes 3000 – 800 BCE – Bantu, a linguistically related group 3000 – 800 BCE – Bantu, a linguistically related group

of about 60 million people living in equatorial and of about 60 million people living in equatorial and southern Africa, probably originated in West Africa, southern Africa, probably originated in West Africa, migrating downward gradually into southern Africa. migrating downward gradually into southern Africa. The Bantu migration was one of the largest in human The Bantu migration was one of the largest in human history. The cause of this movement is uncertain.history. The cause of this movement is uncertain.

750 BCE – 600 CE – The Kush appear in Nubia ; place 750 BCE – 600 CE – The Kush appear in Nubia ; place capital at Meroe; bronze; were a fierce rival of Egyptcapital at Meroe; bronze; were a fierce rival of Egypt

500 BCE 700 CE– Axum; The Aksumites were a people 500 BCE 700 CE– Axum; The Aksumites were a people formed from the mix of Kushitic speaking people in formed from the mix of Kushitic speaking people in Ethiopia and Semitic speaking people in southern Ethiopia and Semitic speaking people in southern Arabia who settled the territory across the Red Sea ; Arabia who settled the territory across the Red Sea ; rose to power from 400 – 700 CErose to power from 400 – 700 CE

500 BCE – 200 CE Ancient Nok culture thrives in 500 BCE – 200 CE Ancient Nok culture thrives in forests of central Nigeria. Claimed by the Yoruba forests of central Nigeria. Claimed by the Yoruba peoples as ancestors, the Nok are justly revered for peoples as ancestors, the Nok are justly revered for their art and terra cottas.their art and terra cottas.

African CivilizationsAfrican Civilizations 100 – 200 CE – East African civilizations 100 – 200 CE – East African civilizations

trade with the Romans and Arabstrade with the Romans and Arabs 500 CE - 1203 CE Ghana Empire500 CE - 1203 CE Ghana Empire 500 CE – Takrur State created500 CE – Takrur State created 700 CE – Gao established700 CE – Gao established 800 CE – Chimu Empire founded800 CE – Chimu Empire founded 900 – 1400 CE – Great Zimbabwe900 – 1400 CE – Great Zimbabwe 1000 CE - Islam established south of 1000 CE - Islam established south of

Sahara Sahara 1087 CE - Muslims invade Ghana 1087 CE - Muslims invade Ghana 1150 CE - Slaves were exported to North 1150 CE - Slaves were exported to North

Africa from New Guinea Africa from New Guinea

African CivilizationsAfrican Civilizations 1313thth century to present – Asante century to present – Asante

KingdomKingdom 1300 – 1480 CE – Mali Kingdom1300 – 1480 CE – Mali Kingdom 1324 - 1325 CE – Mansa Musa of Mali 1324 - 1325 CE – Mansa Musa of Mali

makes trip to Mecca – spends so makes trip to Mecca – spends so much gold it decreases in value much gold it decreases in value temporarilytemporarily

1352 CE - Ibn Battuta visits Mali 1352 CE - Ibn Battuta visits Mali 1460 – 1591 CE – Songhai Empire1460 – 1591 CE – Songhai Empire

African CivilizationsAfrican Civilizations

1515thth – 18 – 18thth centuries CE – Benin culture centuries CE – Benin culture 1500 CE - Compound houses on steep 1500 CE - Compound houses on steep

hillsides built by Dogon people in Mali hillsides built by Dogon people in Mali 1541 CE – Ethiopians defeat Muslims to slow 1541 CE – Ethiopians defeat Muslims to slow

spread of Islam in East Africaspread of Islam in East Africa 1616thth – 19 – 19thth centuries CE – Slave trade to the centuries CE – Slave trade to the

Americas established in East AfricaAmericas established in East Africa 1807 CE - British ban slave trade1807 CE - British ban slave trade 1874 CE - Discovery of diamonds in South 1874 CE - Discovery of diamonds in South

AfricaAfrica

African ArtAfrican Art

Rock paintingRock painting 10,000 BCE10,000 BCE Tassili, AlgeriaTassili, Algeria PaintingPainting Shows knowledge of Shows knowledge of

natural environment natural environment and also shows that and also shows that the Sahara once the Sahara once contained water and contained water and plenty of animal lifeplenty of animal life


St George ChurchSt George Church 1212thth century century Aksum, EthiopiaAksum, Ethiopia ArchitectureArchitecture This church and others This church and others

like it were all cut like it were all cut directly from the rock directly from the rock surrounding themsurrounding them

Ethiopia was a Christian Ethiopia was a Christian stronghold in Africastronghold in Africa

It also contains the only It also contains the only black Jewish community black Jewish community in the worldin the world

Rock Churches EthiopiaRock Churches Ethiopia


HunchbackHunchback 33rdrd century BCE century BCE Jos Plateau, NigeriaJos Plateau, Nigeria SculptureSculpture Nok CultureNok Culture Nok culture is known Nok culture is known

for its terra cotta for its terra cotta and stone masks and stone masks and works of artand works of art

African ArtAfrican Art Pendant Mask, IyobaPendant Mask, Iyoba 1616thth century CE century CE Benin, NigeriaBenin, Nigeria SculptureSculpture Edo peopleEdo people Made of ivory and Made of ivory and

coppercopper The Edo people were The Edo people were

famous for their famous for their brass masks but brass masks but ivory was also usedivory was also used


Head of an ObaHead of an Oba 1818thth century CE century CE Benin, NigeriaBenin, Nigeria SculptureSculpture Made of brass and ironMade of brass and iron All Oba heads show the All Oba heads show the

coral beads around the coral beads around the neck which is part of the neck which is part of the royal costume still todayroyal costume still today

Used same method of Used same method of casting as the Romans casting as the Romans called called lost wax castinglost wax casting

African ArtAfrican Art Asante Gold WeightsAsante Gold Weights 1818thth century CE century CE GhanaGhana CraftworkCraftwork Asante CultureAsante Culture These weights were These weights were

used to calibrate a used to calibrate a system of weighing system of weighing gold dustgold dust

Even these small Even these small mundane objects were mundane objects were still decorated and still decorated and designed with attention designed with attention to detailto detail

African ArtAfrican Art Golden StoolGolden Stool 1818thth century CE century CE GhanaGhana SculptureSculpture Asante CultureAsante Culture As a major producer of As a major producer of

gold, the Asante king gold, the Asante king uses this throne still uses this throne still todaytoday

According to legend, it According to legend, it appeared from heaven appeared from heaven to show support to the to show support to the first Asantehene first Asantehene (king), Osei Tutu(king), Osei Tutu


Great ZimbabweGreat Zimbabwe 1313thth century CE century CE ZimbabweZimbabwe ArchitectureArchitecture Built without the Built without the

use of mortar use of mortar (drystone (drystone architecture)architecture)


Djingareyber MosqueDjingareyber Mosque 1324-13271324-1327 Timbuktu, MaliTimbuktu, Mali ArchitectureArchitecture Artist: Mansa Musa?Artist: Mansa Musa? Mansa Musa was Mansa Musa was

Emperor – ordered it Emperor – ordered it built (may have built (may have designed it)designed it)

Mud brickMud brick

African ArtAfrican Art Great Mosque of Great Mosque of

DjenneDjenne 1907 CE1907 CE Djenne, MaliDjenne, Mali ArchitectureArchitecture A mosque was first A mosque was first

built here in 1200, built here in 1200, but this is a modern but this is a modern rebuilding of itrebuilding of it

Built of mud brick and Built of mud brick and earthearth

African ArtAfrican Art Meroe PyramidsMeroe Pyramids 300 BCE – 300 CE300 BCE – 300 CE Meroe, Nubia Meroe, Nubia

(Sudan)(Sudan) ArchitectureArchitecture From Kush From Kush

civilization, much civilization, much smaller but heavily smaller but heavily influenced by the influenced by the EgyptiansEgyptians

African ArtAfrican Art ObeliskObelisk 300 CE300 CE Aksum (Axum), Aksum (Axum),

EthiopiaEthiopia ArchitectureArchitecture Sacrificial altar was Sacrificial altar was

at the base, served at the base, served as a grave marker as a grave marker for the kingfor the king


African Erotic ArtAfrican Erotic Art

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Arts of the Americas

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