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5.3 Purpose and Audience in Indigenous American Art

2 min readjanuary 29, 2023

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Overview

is very different than what we are used to seeing. As the AP Art History CED states, "Indigenous 'art' is considered to have, contain, and/or transfer life force rather than simply represent an image" (pg. 170). The purpose of art in these regions can be used to preserve cultural tradition and pay homage to spiritual and natural forces.

Furthermore, Indigenous art required audience participation. As you will notice in this unit, many architectural structures, especially in and the , are temples where rituals like human sacrifices (see the ) were conducted. Some Native American artwork are objects that were meant to be worn or used during rituals. According to the CED, "functionality of the object is preferred; the more active a work of art, the more it is believed to contain and transfer life force and power" (pg. 171). Thus, Indigenous art pieces required its "audience" to be involved with the activities that ensued and each art-piece that was created had culture significance.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-kxmeY2BfwoVd.webp?alt=media&token=e1f4c109-892f-4182-8c63-88df1eb4c016

Image Courtesy of World History Encyclopedia

Patrons and Audiences

The primary patrons of Indigenous art were the rulers of the various kingdoms and societies. Large-scale public art works usually showcased the grandeur and might of the empire, and rulers demonstrated their power and wealth through the patronage of buildings. Also, some rulers sought to honor the gods with monumental architecture, and they hoped to secure their favor through offerings, like Mayan bloodletting. Family members can also commission art. This would be done to honor an ancestor.

Members of the community were usually the audiences of Indigenous art. However, for some activities, especially ceremonies inside temples, they might have been restricted to priests and nobles.

Key Terms to Review (6)

AP Art History CED

: The AP Art History Course and Exam Description (CED) is a document published by College Board that outlines what students should know for their AP Art History exam. It provides a detailed framework for understanding key concepts in art history across different periods and regions.

Central Andes

: Refers to the mountainous region along the western coast of South America encompassing countries like Peru and Bolivia. It was home to ancient civilizations such as the Inca.

Indigenous American Art

: Indigenous American art refers to the artistic traditions and cultural expressions of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It encompasses a wide range of art forms, including pottery, textiles, sculpture, painting, and architecture.

Mayan Bloodletting

: Mayan bloodletting was a ritual practice in which individuals, often rulers or priests, would intentionally draw blood as an offering to the gods. This act was believed to ensure fertility, agricultural abundance, and maintain cosmic balance.

Mesoamerica

: Refers to the region in Central America where ancient civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec flourished.

Templo Mayor

: The Templo Mayor, also known as the Great Temple, was a massive Aztec temple complex located in the center of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City). It served as a religious and ceremonial hub for the Aztec civilization.

5.3 Purpose and Audience in Indigenous American Art

2 min readjanuary 29, 2023

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Laurie Accede

Laurie Accede

Charly Castillo

Charly Castillo

Overview

is very different than what we are used to seeing. As the AP Art History CED states, "Indigenous 'art' is considered to have, contain, and/or transfer life force rather than simply represent an image" (pg. 170). The purpose of art in these regions can be used to preserve cultural tradition and pay homage to spiritual and natural forces.

Furthermore, Indigenous art required audience participation. As you will notice in this unit, many architectural structures, especially in and the , are temples where rituals like human sacrifices (see the ) were conducted. Some Native American artwork are objects that were meant to be worn or used during rituals. According to the CED, "functionality of the object is preferred; the more active a work of art, the more it is believed to contain and transfer life force and power" (pg. 171). Thus, Indigenous art pieces required its "audience" to be involved with the activities that ensued and each art-piece that was created had culture significance.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-kxmeY2BfwoVd.webp?alt=media&token=e1f4c109-892f-4182-8c63-88df1eb4c016

Image Courtesy of World History Encyclopedia

Patrons and Audiences

The primary patrons of Indigenous art were the rulers of the various kingdoms and societies. Large-scale public art works usually showcased the grandeur and might of the empire, and rulers demonstrated their power and wealth through the patronage of buildings. Also, some rulers sought to honor the gods with monumental architecture, and they hoped to secure their favor through offerings, like Mayan bloodletting. Family members can also commission art. This would be done to honor an ancestor.

Members of the community were usually the audiences of Indigenous art. However, for some activities, especially ceremonies inside temples, they might have been restricted to priests and nobles.

Key Terms to Review (6)

AP Art History CED

: The AP Art History Course and Exam Description (CED) is a document published by College Board that outlines what students should know for their AP Art History exam. It provides a detailed framework for understanding key concepts in art history across different periods and regions.

Central Andes

: Refers to the mountainous region along the western coast of South America encompassing countries like Peru and Bolivia. It was home to ancient civilizations such as the Inca.

Indigenous American Art

: Indigenous American art refers to the artistic traditions and cultural expressions of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. It encompasses a wide range of art forms, including pottery, textiles, sculpture, painting, and architecture.

Mayan Bloodletting

: Mayan bloodletting was a ritual practice in which individuals, often rulers or priests, would intentionally draw blood as an offering to the gods. This act was believed to ensure fertility, agricultural abundance, and maintain cosmic balance.

Mesoamerica

: Refers to the region in Central America where ancient civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec flourished.

Templo Mayor

: The Templo Mayor, also known as the Great Temple, was a massive Aztec temple complex located in the center of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City). It served as a religious and ceremonial hub for the Aztec civilization.


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© 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.