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Unit 5 Overview: Indigenous Americas, 1000 BCE-1980 CE

6 min readjanuary 19, 2023

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

We're finally done with Unit 4 (whew 😅), and now, we're going to move on to some of the cultures that weren't covered in that section. In Unit 5, we'll be exploring works made by indigenous (native) American artists, both before and after European colonization (pre-Columbian and post-Columbian), and see how the region's distinctive cultures have influenced the art made there.

As we go through this unit, be sure to make note of the similarities and differences that you see between these works and those made by mestizo (part indigenous, part European) artists in Unit 4. Some examples include the Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz by Miguel Cabrera, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central Park by Diego Rivera, and The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo.

So, now that you have an idea of what to expect and what to do, let's get into the history of Unit 5!

Contextualization (AKA the Historical Background)

When talking about the indigenous Americas, we're referring to the nations that are in present-day North, South, and . In the AP Art History course, these continents are split into two chronological and geographical regions called and Native North America. refers to works made in Mexico, , and South America that were created before 1550 CE (the end of the Age of Discovery ⛵). All works made after that belong to the Later Americas (AKA Unit 4). This region is further divided into subregions called Mesoamerica, , and , which we'll get into more later. Native North America refers to the indigenous people of the United States and Canada. As you can see, geography is super important in this unit, so be sure to take notes on everything we've gone over so far.

Before European expansion into the Americas, each of these sub-regions had thriving empires and civilizations, but most of them were overthrown by Spanish conquistadors (conquerors) from Spain, and explorers from other (mainly European) nations. Although these conquerors brought negative things to the Americas, like diseases and enslavement, they also introduced European artistic traditions. Eventually, these distinct cultures fused together in a process called (the merging of different beliefs and ideas) and began to influence the art made in the Americas. We see this in both Unit 4 and several later works of Unit 5.

Overview of Indigenous America Art by Region

Chavín

Due to the mountainous terrain of ⛰️ (located in the Andes in Peru), many of its architecture was built in elevated areas. It is common for buildings from this civilization to be built around a u-shaped plan with a  (meeting space) in the center, facing a a large, open part of nature. It is not known whether or not this was for aesthetic purposes. Nevertheless, most buildings are aligned with cardinal directions or a nearby river, demonstrating the importance of water to the people that lived in . The region's ideal location in an Andean valley, rather than on a mountain top, near both the Huachecsa and Mosna Rivers, allowed for easy travel. The majority of sculptures combined both human and animal forms. They were also  (animal-like) in appearance but worn by humans. This is similar to many works from Unit 1, where artists combined both animal and human motifs (features or designs) to emphasize their relationship and importance in each other's lives (⬅️ good example of a cross-unit and cross-geographical connection). Most sculptures from also have left-right symmetry.

Mayan

The Mayans were well-known for constructing pyramids and temples, which were usually built near one another in plazas (similar to the ones in ) or on top of one another. These buildings were built using the  technique, which are arch-like structures that are placed to support the roof. They were especially important in the construction of Mayan buildings because many of them have  (a structure placed on top of a temple-pyramid), which gave the architecture additional height and weight. Although they made the construction process more difficult, were important to Mayan architects because they accentuated the verticality of their buildings. Many Mayan sculptures portray humans depicted with protruding brow bones, full lips, and crossed eyes (⬅️ this completely contradicts the European standards of beauty in previous units). The majority of sculptures depict well-respected figures (gods, goddesses, historical people, etc.) and display different events to tell a story (narrative art). The Mayans were particularly fond of , which is when the sculpture is still attached to its media (materials), rather than carved away.

Anasazi

The Anasazi in the US were known for their  (adobe homes that are stacked onto one another). These were built into the side of a cliff, similar to Petra and the Bamiyan Buddhas in Unit 7. In front of the homes is a , where their inhabitants would gather, complete daily tasks together and have religious ceremonies. Since the were built beneath cliffs, the residents of the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings had to farm and gather water on the plateau above and bring it down to their community.

Mississippian

Unlike its name suggests, the Mississippian culture did not originate in the state of Mississippi, but instead, in a large section of the Midwest, Southern, and Eastern parts of the United States, near the Mississippi River. The people of the easternmost part were , or people who build mounds for various reasons, including religion and ceremonies.

Aztec

The Aztec civilization in Mexico had artwork centered around the culture's  (more than one god or goddess) religion. Most of the Aztec works in this unit depict mythological stories and deal with religious ceremonies such as blood-letting and routine human sacrifices. For example, the that was placed at the bottom of a pyramid depicts a human sacrifice.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-oBaTHeIUcJgP.png?alt=media&token=a27de7fd-484d-4b09-abf6-58360b8b5aa4

Coyolxauhqui Stone. Image Courtesy of: Art History Project

Incan

The Inca built their capital city, Cusco, using the  technique (similarly-shaped stones connected together with mortar). Usually, the edges of the rocks are slightly curved and do not form a straight line, constituting the of Incan buildings. Although many of these cultures are distinct, a common theme throughout all indigenous American architecture are the pyramids and trapezoid-shaped buildings. It is unknown whether the Inca created these architectural structures for aesthetic purposes, or religious purposes like the Aztec and Maya.

Native North America

The media used in Native North American art varies greatly by region. These regions include the Arctic, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Plains, and Eastern Woodlands. When European explorers came to these regions and introduced their artistic traditions, Native American artists began to use European mediums such as beads and brighter pigments, incorporating them in their traditional artworks. Eventually, European settlers and tourists gained interest in Native American art. They became the main market for these works, like the .

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-Yk4SfaUHusX2.png?alt=media&token=a93983ff-821f-458e-b3ff-01758a4d79fe

Black on Black Vessel. Image Courtesy of: Khan Academy

As previously mentioned, be sure to look out for both traditional, indigenous American techniques and European influence. Hopefully, this review helped you prepare for your class and the AP Art History exam. Happy studying, art historians! 🎨

Summary of the Works

ArtLocationFormDate
de HuántarGranite900-200 BCE
Yaxchilán Lintel 25, Structure 23Chiapas, MexicoLimestone725 CE
Mesa Verde Cliff DwellingsMontezuma County, ColoradoSandstone450-1300 CE
Great Serpent MoundAdams County, OhioEarthworkc. 1070 CE
Templo MayorMexico City, MexicoStone1375-1520
Ruler's Feather HeaddressMexicoFeathers and gold1428-1520
Maize CobsCusco, PeruSheet metal and gold and silver alloysc. 1400-1533
City of CuscoCusco, PeruSandstonec. 1440
Machu PicchuCusco Region, PeruGranite1450-1540
All-T'oqapu TunicPeruCamelid fiber and cotton1450-1540
Bandolier BagOklahoma, USABeads and leatherc. 1850
Transformation MaskAlert Bay, CanadaPaint, wood, and stringlate 19th century
Painted Elk Hide (Hide Painting of a Sun Dance)Wind River Reservation, WyomingElk hide and paintc. 1890-1900
San Ildefonso Pueblo, New MexicoCeramicmid 20th century

Key Terms to Review (19)

Ancient America

: Ancient America refers to the pre-Columbian civilizations and cultures that existed in the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. It encompasses a wide range of societies, including those in North, Central, and South America.

Andean South America

: Andean South America refers to the region along the western coast of South America that encompasses countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It is characterized by its stunning mountain ranges including the Andes Mountains.

Ashlar Masonry

: Ashlar masonry is a type of stone construction characterized by the use of finely cut and precisely fitted stones. The stones are often rectangular in shape and laid in horizontal courses.

Black-on-Black Ceramic Vessel

: A black-on-black ceramic vessel is a pottery piece made using a technique where both the vessel and its decoration are black. The design is achieved by polishing the surface of the vessel before firing, creating a matte finish.

Central America

: Central America refers to the region located between North and South America, consisting of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. It is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Chavín

: Chavín refers to an ancient civilization that thrived in what is now modern-day Peru from around 900 BCE to 200 BCE. The Chavín culture is known for its impressive architecture, intricate stone carvings, and religious rituals centered around jaguar imagery.

Chavín de Huántar District, Peru

: Chavín de Huántar District refers to an archaeological site located in Peru that was once home to the ancient Chavín civilization. It contains various structures and artifacts dating back to 900-200 BCE.

Corbelled Vaulting

: Corbelled vaulting is an architectural technique used in ancient structures where stones are stacked horizontally and slightly overlapping each other until they meet at the top, creating an arched ceiling or roof.

Coyolxauhqui Stone

: The Coyolxauhqui Stone is an Aztec sculpture depicting the dismembered body of Coyolxauhqui, the moon goddess. It was found at the base of Templo Mayor in Mexico City and represents an important mythological event.

Mound-Builders

: Mound-Builders were prehistoric Native American cultures that constructed earthen mounds for various purposes such as burial sites, ceremonial platforms, and residential areas.

Plaza

: A plaza is an open public space, usually located in the center of a town or city, that serves as a gathering place for social, cultural, and political activities. Plazas are often characterized by their architectural features such as fountains, benches, and statues.

Polytheistic

: Polytheistic refers to the belief in or worship of multiple gods. It is a religious system that acknowledges and reveres the existence of many deities.

Pueblos

: Pueblos are multi-story adobe structures built by Native American communities in southwestern United States. They served as homes, ceremonial centers, and defensive structures.

Relief Sculptures

: Relief sculptures are sculptures that are attached to a background and project outwards from it. They have varying degrees of depth, with some parts being more raised than others.

Roof Combs

: Roof combs are decorative elements found on the gable ends of buildings, particularly in Gothic architecture. They are often made of stone and feature intricate designs or sculptures.

Spanish conquistadors

: Spanish conquistadors were explorers and conquerors from Spain who sought to expand their empire during the Age of Exploration. They played a significant role in the colonization of the Americas by subjugating indigenous civilizations and establishing European dominance.

Syncretism

: Syncretism refers to the blending or merging of different cultural or artistic traditions, resulting in a new and unique combination. It often occurs when two or more cultures come into contact and exchange ideas, leading to the creation of something that incorporates elements from each culture.

Trapezoidal Shape

: A trapezoidal shape refers to a quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides. It has two non-parallel sides that are not equal in length.

Zoomorphic

: Zoomorphic refers to the representation or depiction of animal forms or characteristics in art. It is often used to convey symbolism, cultural beliefs, or simply aesthetic appeal.

Unit 5 Overview: Indigenous Americas, 1000 BCE-1980 CE

6 min readjanuary 19, 2023

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

We're finally done with Unit 4 (whew 😅), and now, we're going to move on to some of the cultures that weren't covered in that section. In Unit 5, we'll be exploring works made by indigenous (native) American artists, both before and after European colonization (pre-Columbian and post-Columbian), and see how the region's distinctive cultures have influenced the art made there.

As we go through this unit, be sure to make note of the similarities and differences that you see between these works and those made by mestizo (part indigenous, part European) artists in Unit 4. Some examples include the Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz by Miguel Cabrera, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central Park by Diego Rivera, and The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo.

So, now that you have an idea of what to expect and what to do, let's get into the history of Unit 5!

Contextualization (AKA the Historical Background)

When talking about the indigenous Americas, we're referring to the nations that are in present-day North, South, and . In the AP Art History course, these continents are split into two chronological and geographical regions called and Native North America. refers to works made in Mexico, , and South America that were created before 1550 CE (the end of the Age of Discovery ⛵). All works made after that belong to the Later Americas (AKA Unit 4). This region is further divided into subregions called Mesoamerica, , and , which we'll get into more later. Native North America refers to the indigenous people of the United States and Canada. As you can see, geography is super important in this unit, so be sure to take notes on everything we've gone over so far.

Before European expansion into the Americas, each of these sub-regions had thriving empires and civilizations, but most of them were overthrown by Spanish conquistadors (conquerors) from Spain, and explorers from other (mainly European) nations. Although these conquerors brought negative things to the Americas, like diseases and enslavement, they also introduced European artistic traditions. Eventually, these distinct cultures fused together in a process called (the merging of different beliefs and ideas) and began to influence the art made in the Americas. We see this in both Unit 4 and several later works of Unit 5.

Overview of Indigenous America Art by Region

Chavín

Due to the mountainous terrain of ⛰️ (located in the Andes in Peru), many of its architecture was built in elevated areas. It is common for buildings from this civilization to be built around a u-shaped plan with a  (meeting space) in the center, facing a a large, open part of nature. It is not known whether or not this was for aesthetic purposes. Nevertheless, most buildings are aligned with cardinal directions or a nearby river, demonstrating the importance of water to the people that lived in . The region's ideal location in an Andean valley, rather than on a mountain top, near both the Huachecsa and Mosna Rivers, allowed for easy travel. The majority of sculptures combined both human and animal forms. They were also  (animal-like) in appearance but worn by humans. This is similar to many works from Unit 1, where artists combined both animal and human motifs (features or designs) to emphasize their relationship and importance in each other's lives (⬅️ good example of a cross-unit and cross-geographical connection). Most sculptures from also have left-right symmetry.

Mayan

The Mayans were well-known for constructing pyramids and temples, which were usually built near one another in plazas (similar to the ones in ) or on top of one another. These buildings were built using the  technique, which are arch-like structures that are placed to support the roof. They were especially important in the construction of Mayan buildings because many of them have  (a structure placed on top of a temple-pyramid), which gave the architecture additional height and weight. Although they made the construction process more difficult, were important to Mayan architects because they accentuated the verticality of their buildings. Many Mayan sculptures portray humans depicted with protruding brow bones, full lips, and crossed eyes (⬅️ this completely contradicts the European standards of beauty in previous units). The majority of sculptures depict well-respected figures (gods, goddesses, historical people, etc.) and display different events to tell a story (narrative art). The Mayans were particularly fond of , which is when the sculpture is still attached to its media (materials), rather than carved away.

Anasazi

The Anasazi in the US were known for their  (adobe homes that are stacked onto one another). These were built into the side of a cliff, similar to Petra and the Bamiyan Buddhas in Unit 7. In front of the homes is a , where their inhabitants would gather, complete daily tasks together and have religious ceremonies. Since the were built beneath cliffs, the residents of the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings had to farm and gather water on the plateau above and bring it down to their community.

Mississippian

Unlike its name suggests, the Mississippian culture did not originate in the state of Mississippi, but instead, in a large section of the Midwest, Southern, and Eastern parts of the United States, near the Mississippi River. The people of the easternmost part were , or people who build mounds for various reasons, including religion and ceremonies.

Aztec

The Aztec civilization in Mexico had artwork centered around the culture's  (more than one god or goddess) religion. Most of the Aztec works in this unit depict mythological stories and deal with religious ceremonies such as blood-letting and routine human sacrifices. For example, the that was placed at the bottom of a pyramid depicts a human sacrifice.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-oBaTHeIUcJgP.png?alt=media&token=a27de7fd-484d-4b09-abf6-58360b8b5aa4

Coyolxauhqui Stone. Image Courtesy of: Art History Project

Incan

The Inca built their capital city, Cusco, using the  technique (similarly-shaped stones connected together with mortar). Usually, the edges of the rocks are slightly curved and do not form a straight line, constituting the of Incan buildings. Although many of these cultures are distinct, a common theme throughout all indigenous American architecture are the pyramids and trapezoid-shaped buildings. It is unknown whether the Inca created these architectural structures for aesthetic purposes, or religious purposes like the Aztec and Maya.

Native North America

The media used in Native North American art varies greatly by region. These regions include the Arctic, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Plains, and Eastern Woodlands. When European explorers came to these regions and introduced their artistic traditions, Native American artists began to use European mediums such as beads and brighter pigments, incorporating them in their traditional artworks. Eventually, European settlers and tourists gained interest in Native American art. They became the main market for these works, like the .

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-Yk4SfaUHusX2.png?alt=media&token=a93983ff-821f-458e-b3ff-01758a4d79fe

Black on Black Vessel. Image Courtesy of: Khan Academy

As previously mentioned, be sure to look out for both traditional, indigenous American techniques and European influence. Hopefully, this review helped you prepare for your class and the AP Art History exam. Happy studying, art historians! 🎨

Summary of the Works

ArtLocationFormDate
de HuántarGranite900-200 BCE
Yaxchilán Lintel 25, Structure 23Chiapas, MexicoLimestone725 CE
Mesa Verde Cliff DwellingsMontezuma County, ColoradoSandstone450-1300 CE
Great Serpent MoundAdams County, OhioEarthworkc. 1070 CE
Templo MayorMexico City, MexicoStone1375-1520
Ruler's Feather HeaddressMexicoFeathers and gold1428-1520
Maize CobsCusco, PeruSheet metal and gold and silver alloysc. 1400-1533
City of CuscoCusco, PeruSandstonec. 1440
Machu PicchuCusco Region, PeruGranite1450-1540
All-T'oqapu TunicPeruCamelid fiber and cotton1450-1540
Bandolier BagOklahoma, USABeads and leatherc. 1850
Transformation MaskAlert Bay, CanadaPaint, wood, and stringlate 19th century
Painted Elk Hide (Hide Painting of a Sun Dance)Wind River Reservation, WyomingElk hide and paintc. 1890-1900
San Ildefonso Pueblo, New MexicoCeramicmid 20th century

Key Terms to Review (19)

Ancient America

: Ancient America refers to the pre-Columbian civilizations and cultures that existed in the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. It encompasses a wide range of societies, including those in North, Central, and South America.

Andean South America

: Andean South America refers to the region along the western coast of South America that encompasses countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. It is characterized by its stunning mountain ranges including the Andes Mountains.

Ashlar Masonry

: Ashlar masonry is a type of stone construction characterized by the use of finely cut and precisely fitted stones. The stones are often rectangular in shape and laid in horizontal courses.

Black-on-Black Ceramic Vessel

: A black-on-black ceramic vessel is a pottery piece made using a technique where both the vessel and its decoration are black. The design is achieved by polishing the surface of the vessel before firing, creating a matte finish.

Central America

: Central America refers to the region located between North and South America, consisting of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. It is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Chavín

: Chavín refers to an ancient civilization that thrived in what is now modern-day Peru from around 900 BCE to 200 BCE. The Chavín culture is known for its impressive architecture, intricate stone carvings, and religious rituals centered around jaguar imagery.

Chavín de Huántar District, Peru

: Chavín de Huántar District refers to an archaeological site located in Peru that was once home to the ancient Chavín civilization. It contains various structures and artifacts dating back to 900-200 BCE.

Corbelled Vaulting

: Corbelled vaulting is an architectural technique used in ancient structures where stones are stacked horizontally and slightly overlapping each other until they meet at the top, creating an arched ceiling or roof.

Coyolxauhqui Stone

: The Coyolxauhqui Stone is an Aztec sculpture depicting the dismembered body of Coyolxauhqui, the moon goddess. It was found at the base of Templo Mayor in Mexico City and represents an important mythological event.

Mound-Builders

: Mound-Builders were prehistoric Native American cultures that constructed earthen mounds for various purposes such as burial sites, ceremonial platforms, and residential areas.

Plaza

: A plaza is an open public space, usually located in the center of a town or city, that serves as a gathering place for social, cultural, and political activities. Plazas are often characterized by their architectural features such as fountains, benches, and statues.

Polytheistic

: Polytheistic refers to the belief in or worship of multiple gods. It is a religious system that acknowledges and reveres the existence of many deities.

Pueblos

: Pueblos are multi-story adobe structures built by Native American communities in southwestern United States. They served as homes, ceremonial centers, and defensive structures.

Relief Sculptures

: Relief sculptures are sculptures that are attached to a background and project outwards from it. They have varying degrees of depth, with some parts being more raised than others.

Roof Combs

: Roof combs are decorative elements found on the gable ends of buildings, particularly in Gothic architecture. They are often made of stone and feature intricate designs or sculptures.

Spanish conquistadors

: Spanish conquistadors were explorers and conquerors from Spain who sought to expand their empire during the Age of Exploration. They played a significant role in the colonization of the Americas by subjugating indigenous civilizations and establishing European dominance.

Syncretism

: Syncretism refers to the blending or merging of different cultural or artistic traditions, resulting in a new and unique combination. It often occurs when two or more cultures come into contact and exchange ideas, leading to the creation of something that incorporates elements from each culture.

Trapezoidal Shape

: A trapezoidal shape refers to a quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides. It has two non-parallel sides that are not equal in length.

Zoomorphic

: Zoomorphic refers to the representation or depiction of animal forms or characteristics in art. It is often used to convey symbolism, cultural beliefs, or simply aesthetic appeal.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.