Native American Art and Archaeological Sites

A type of roof common in Pueblo architecture, characterized by its rounded, dome-like shape.

Circular, subterranean structures found at Cliff Palace and other Pueblo sites, often used for religious ceremonies and gatherings.

A sophisticated masonry technique used by the Inca, employing precisely cut and fitted stones without mortar.

A type of arch/vault design commonly used in pre-Columbian Mesoamerican architecture, characterized by its curved, but not fully circular, shape.

Miniature figurines crafted from hammered gold and silver sheets, known for their meticulous craftsmanship and elaborate designs.

A type of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican architecture, characterized by its pyramid-like structures with a rectangular base and a flat top.

The Inca city of Machu Picchu, known for its stunning architecture, intricate design, and strategic location in the Andes Mountains.

The civilization known for its advanced agricultural techniques, elaborate religious ceremonies, and impressive stone structures in the Andes Mountains.

An image or representation of something, often used to depict a specific subject or concept.

A Catholic church was built on top of the former Inca temple, replacing the original structure.

Cliff Palace was built for mutual support and defense, allowing inhabitants to live together and protect themselves from outside threats.

A potlatch is a ceremonial gathering where hosts display their status and generosity by giving away gifts to attendees.

Transformation masks, beyond transforming dancers, also display clan crest symbols, signifying family lineage and identity.

The Lanzon Stone might depict a Chavín king, a powerful figure in their society.

The Great Serpent Mound might depict a snake holding an egg in its mouth, representing fertility and creation.

The statement is false. The structures at Machu Picchu were largely preserved, though some damage occurred due to neglect and looting after the Spanish conquest.

The Relief of Lady Xoc shows Lady Xoc in a hallucinogenic state, her husband's coronation, and mirror image inscriptions to depict her altered reality. It does NOT depict a bloodletting ritual.

The Olmec Style Mask found as an offering in the Templo Mayor suggests the Aztecs had a reverence for ancient cultures and a vast trade network.

The Inca claimed to be descended from Inti, the sun god.

The Intihuantana Stone at Machu Picchu was believed to track the sun and determine when religious events would take place.

Maria and Julian Martinez are credited with raising Pueblo utilitarian ceramic vessels into fine art for tourists and consumers.

The Painted Elk Hide depicts nostalgic activities from the daily life of the traditional Plains culture.

T'oqapu refers to the geometric design on Incan tunics.

The Great Serpent Mound is generally associated with the Fort Ancient Culture.

Bandolier bags are traditionally made with materials native to the cultures that use them. Beadwork and ribbon embellishments, while popular elements, aren't defining features of all bandolier bags.

The Kwakwaka'wakw transformation mask style is characterized by its distinct features. It often presents a grotesque and exaggerated appearance, featuring a large, wide open mouth with fangs, prominent eyes, and a long, curved nose.

The Templo Mayor is located in the heart of Mexico City, on the site of the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan.

The Templo Mayor has two sides dedicated to different deities. The north side represents Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun, symbolizing the mountain Coatepec. The south side represents Tlaloc, the god of rain and fertility, representing the mountain Cerro de la Estrella.

Visual elements like the Huitzilopochtli sculpture on the north side, the Tlaloc altar on the south side, and depictions of mountains on the temple's walls provide evidence for the dual symbolism of the Templo Mayor.

The Coyolxauhqui Stone depicts the goddess Coyolxauhqui being dismembered by Huitzilopochtli. This event is a central myth in Aztec cosmology. It is one of the most important artistic expressions from the Aztec civilization.

The Aztec Calendar Stone is a massive basalt disc with intricate carvings representing the cosmos, time, and important deities. It is a key artifact for understanding Aztec cosmology and beliefs.

Olmec-style masks are often made from jadeite and characterize the Olmec art style. They typically feature stylized human faces with prominent features, including wide eyes, a flat nose, and a wide, open mouth.