Essential Knowledge:

• The art of the indigenous people of America is among the oldest artistic traditions in the world.  It extends from about 10,000 BCE through the time of the European invasions.

• The art of this area can be divided into many cultural and historical groupings both in North and South America.

• Ancient Mesoamerican art (from parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize) is characterized by architectural structures such as pyramids, a strong influence of astronomy and calendars on ritual objects, and great value placed on green objects such as jade or feathers.

• Three major cultures of ancient Mesoamerica include the Olmec, the Maya, and the Mexica (also called the Aztecs).

• There is a great emphasis on figural art in ancient Mesoamerica, including representations of rulers and mythical events.

• Art of the central Andes (from Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador) shows a deep respect for animals and plants, as well as shamanistic religions.

• The physical environment of the central Andes (the Amazon, the Andes mountains, and the coastal deserts) plays a large role in art making.

• Art in central Andes was generally made by groups in workshops, rather than by individuals.

• Themes in Andean art particularly address the earth-bound and the celestial.

• Native North American art has diverse themes, but many of the artworks concern nature, animals, and large rituals.  Respect for elders is a key unifying factor.

• There is no unifying name for the native people of North America, other than terms that have been imposed by others (i.e., Native Americans, First Nations, etc.).

Essential Knowledge:

• The art of the indigenous people of America is among the oldest artistic traditions in the world.  It extends from about 10,000 BCE through the time of the European invasions.

• Mesoamerican civilizations have had a broad impact on the world as a whole.

• Mesoamerican objects were valued and treasured in Europe by connoisseurs and collectors.  National museums were opened to promote an understanding of ancient American art.  20th century artists both in Latin America and elsewhere around the world have been influenced by the art of ancient America.

• Current Native Americans today strongly identify with the cultural achievements of their ancestors.  Art forms are maintained and revived.

• There are exchanges of materials, ideas, and subject matter between Native Americans and Europeans.

Essential Knowledge:

• The modern concept of art is different than the intended purpose of objects from this period.  Objects were created to represent or contain a life force, and viewing was seen as a participatory activity.

• Art was generally generated in workshops.

• Rulers were the major patrons.  Patrons could also include a family member, a tribal leader, or an elder.

Essential Knowledge:

• Mesoamericans and Native Americans use trade materials, animal-based products, and precious stones.  Works of art are generally functional.

• Central Andean artists prized featherwork, textiles, and green stones, and favored works made of metal and bone.  Ceramics and wood were considered as occupying the lowest end of the artistic-scale.

• Pyramids began as earthwork and then grew to multilevel strcutures.  Sites were often added to over many years.  Most architecture is made of stone, using the post-and-lintel system and faced with painted sculpture.  There are large plazas placed before the pyramids.

• North American Indians produced works that included ceramics, hide paintings, basketry, weaving, adobe structures, and monumental earthworks.

Essential Knowledge:

• There are many differences in the cultures of the Americas and therefore many approaches to studying the various art forms.

• Examination of artwork from this period relies on many sources including archaeology and written accounts by colonists.

• A multidisciplinary approach is used to examine the works of this period.

• There are many approaches to Native North American art including archaeology, tribal history, and anthropology.