Art History A CP - Unit 5

Who wore the mask, like the one responding a moon goddess (Figure 11.4 on page 247), in religious ceremonies and for what purpose?

An Inuit Shaman, or leader believed to have healing powers, wore such a mask during ceremonial dances. While dancing, the shaman would go into a trance and act as a messenger between the world of the living and the spirit world.

How was art linked to sacrificial rituals in the Aztec culture?

Art was closely linked to the sacrificial rituals in the Aztec culture. Statues to the gods were carved and placed in the temples atop stepped pyramids. There were also statues of priests and celebrants dresses in the skins of flayed victims who had been sacrificed.

When was Kente cloth first created and who controlled the use of this cloth? How was it assembled?

During the 1600s, weavers created the first kente cloth, which the Asante king controlled the use of. Kente cloth is woven in narrow strips that are then stitched together to form large pieces with complex patterns.

What was the measure of wealth for the Akan people, and who controlled its use?

Gold was the measure of wealth for the Akan, and kings controlled its use.

In what ways does the concept of a "mask" include more than just a face covering in African societies?

In Africa, the concept of a mask includes more than just the mask itself. Most masks were considered sacred and only wore by men. They often are used in dances, rituals, and performances. When a member performs while wearing a mask they cease to be themselves. They become mediums, able to communicate directly with the spirit realm.

What was Machu Picchu? Where and why was it built? What made the city so durable and what has it withstood?

Machu Picchu was an Inca city built to protect the people from attacks by hostile tribes living in the jungle to the east. The city is dramatically perched on a ridge between two rugged mountain peaks, 8,000 feet above sea level. Machu Picchu were constructed of huge stone blocks cut and locked into place.

Why were Mayan cities constructed with large central plazas? How did the reliefs on the buildings change?

Mayan cities were constructed with the vast central plazas to accommodate the masses of people who gathered to witness these ceremonies. Rich reliefs covered the buildings , monuments, and temples around and within these laces. At first, these cravings were simple and realistic, but later they became more elaborate and complex.

What tool did the African artists rely on when creating their woodcarvings?

The African artists relied on the adze when creating their woodcarvings.

What do leaf and wooden masks of the Bwa people represent?

The Bwa people consider leaf masks the most ancient mask form and closely associate them with nature and with life's regenerative power. The wooden masks are used during village purification ceremonies, initiations, funerals, harvest festivals, and now national holidays.

Explain why the Native American tribes from the Great Plains region did not create such items as pottery or basketware, and describe what they did create.

The Native American tribes from the Great Plains region did not create items such as pottery or basketware because the tribes were constantly moving from place to place which made the items impractical. However, they did create bows and arrows for hunting.

How did the arrival of the Spanish and Mexican settlers in the Southwest influence the art of the Navajo? Describe the qualities of a Navajo saddle blanket.

The Navajo were using European cloth and dyes to create weavings that matched the quality of work produced on the best looms in Europe. A saddle blanket exhibits many of the qualities associated with the finest Navajo weavings. These qualities included the closeness of the weave; rich, vibrant colors; and bold design.

Who were the Olmec and what were their most well-known artworks?

The Olmec was the first great civilization in Mexico, which dates from as early as 1200 B.C. to A.D. 500. These people lived on the great coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico and are believed to have made the first Mexican sculptures. The Olmecs most surprising works were gigantic heads carved in volcanic rock; eighteen have been discovered thus far.

What did the images from the Inuit art reveal?

The images created by Inuit artist reveal the importance attached to the animals they relied on for food.

What materials were used in the construction of the mosque in Jenne? Describe the features of this mosque.

The mosque in Jenne is made of hand-molded adobe brick, a sun-dried mixture of clay and straw. Wooden beams were also used to project the sides of the mosque to provide permanent supports for scaffolding.

What was the purpose of a kiva and what are its main features?

The purpose of a kiva was to serve as spiritual and social center where meetings could be held and ceremonies be performed. The kiva was a circular underground structure that had a flat roof with one entry and a raised fire pit that stood in the middle.

How long ago were the sculptural portraits of the first Yoruba kings and queens made? What material and technique was used to make them?

The sculptural portraits of the first Yoruba kings and queens were made in A.D. 1100. The cast metal sculptures were probably made collaboratively with women creating the clay forms and men casting them in metal.

What does the use of metal in Kota sculptures indicate?

The use of metal in Kota sculptures indicates the importance attached to these figures, since metal was a form of wealth in central Africa.

What are totem poles?

Totem poles are tall posts carved and painted with a series of animal symbols associated with a particular family or clan.