Exam 20: Arts of the Pacific and of the Americas

Discuss why we don't have a clearer picture of the ancient arts of North America, citing examples of various artworks produced and their function.

Although no one knows for certain how long people have lived in the Americas, the earliest-known evidence points to human habitations from about:

Explain the effects the European conquest of the Americas had on the native inhabitants, their culture, and their arts.

One Mesoamerican culture is often called the "mother culture" because it seemed to have institutionalized the features that mark later civilizations in the region. To which culture does this term refer?

____________ was considered a sacred substance by many North American peoples and the vehicle for delivery became a sculptural art form.

The Yucatán Peninsula was home to the civilization of the Maya. All but which of the following have been acknowledged as accomplishments of the Mayan culture?

Many Mimbres ceramics recovered from graves have been shattered or pierced. This may represent:

In the tumbaga pendant depicting a ruler, birds unfold like wings on either side of his head, representing:

Compare the ways in which two different cultures discussed in this chapter use visual symbols, relating your comments to specific works or types of works.

Consider these works: Duk duk maskers, Papua New Guinea; ritual mask, Aztec; and hide painted with scenes of warfare, Lakota. Identify the purpose for which each was created. Discuss briefly how each functioned to express the beliefs of its culture.

Consider the stone figures on Ahu Naunau, Easter Island. Discuss interpretations of the possible meanings of these statues and explain the process of their creation.