| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| astronomical cycles | Regular celestial phenomena such as equinoxes and solstices that prehistoric peoples observed and incorporated into their artistic and cultural practices. |
| belief systems | Organized sets of religious, spiritual, or philosophical ideas that guide how a culture understands the world and conducts itself. |
| burial | The practice of disposing of the dead, often accompanied by ritual objects and artistic expression that reflected cultural beliefs about the afterlife. |
| cultural practices | The customs, rituals, and traditional activities of a society that are reflected in and inform artistic and architectural creation. |
| equinoxes | Times of year when day and night are approximately equal length, observed and marked by many prehistoric cultures. |
| food production | Activities such as hunting, gathering, agriculture, and animal husbandry that provided sustenance for prehistoric communities and influenced their artistic expression. |
| hunter-gatherers | Small groups of prehistoric peoples who survived by hunting animals and gathering wild plants from their environment. |
| Mesolithic | The Middle Stone Age, a transitional prehistoric period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic characterized by environmental changes and adaptation. |
| Neolithic | The New Stone Age, a prehistoric period marked by the development of agriculture, animal husbandry, and settled communities. |
| Paleolithic | The Old Stone Age, the earliest period of human prehistory characterized by hunter-gatherer societies and the use of stone tools. |
| physical setting | The geographic location, environment, and landscape that influences the creation and function of art. |
| prehistoric | The period of human history before the development of written records. |
| ritual | Ceremonial or symbolic practices performed by a culture, often reflected in art objects created for spiritual or religious purposes. |
| settlement | The establishment of communities in specific locations, which influenced patterns of art making and the decoration of gathering places. |
| solstices | Times of year marking the longest and shortest days, observed and marked by many prehistoric cultures. |
| status | Social rank or position within a community, often demonstrated through the creation and possession of particular art objects. |
| symbolic works | Art objects created to represent or communicate abstract ideas, beliefs, or spiritual concepts rather than serve practical purposes. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| abstraction | An artistic approach that simplifies or stylizes forms rather than representing them realistically, found throughout prehistoric art history. |
| cave paintings | Artworks created on the interior walls of caves, typically featuring animal and human imagery from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. |
| ceramic | Objects made from clay and hardened by heat, representing one of humanity's earliest and most significant artistic media. |
| figurine | Small three-dimensional representations of human and animal forms, commonly created in prehistoric cultures. |
| funerary arts | Artworks created for burial contexts and memorializing purposes, including ritual objects and tomb sculptures. |
| geometric patterns | Two-dimensional artistic designs composed of regular shapes and mathematical forms, common in prehistoric art. |
| incised graphic designs | Two-dimensional artworks created by carving or cutting lines into surfaces such as rock, bone, or pottery. |
| jade | A precious stone worked by ancient artisans, particularly in prehistoric China, establishing a 5,000-year tradition of ritual and decorative objects. |
| Lapita pottery | Ceramic vessels created by the Lapita peoples with incised geometric designs that spread across the Pacific region beginning about 4,000 years ago. |
| material | The physical substances used by artists to create artworks, such as stone, bronze, or paint. |
| megalithic installations | Large-scale stone structures and assemblages constructed in prehistoric times, often serving ritual or monumental purposes. |
| naturalism | An artistic approach that aims to depict subjects as they appear in nature with accurate representation of form, light, and detail. |
| ocher | A natural pigment ranging in color from yellow to red to brown, used in early rock paintings and carved designs. |
| potter's wheel | A rotating tool adopted in the fourth millennium BCE that allowed artisans to create refined and symmetrical ceramic vessel forms. |
| pottery | Ceramic vessels and objects created from clay, including early examples from the Jomon culture and later refined forms using the potter's wheel. |
| process | The methods and steps artists use to create artworks, including planning, construction, and execution techniques. |
| ritual object | Artworks created for ceremonial or religious purposes, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and practices of prehistoric communities. |
| rock paintings | Two-dimensional artworks created by applying pigment to rock surfaces, among the earliest forms of human artistic expression. |
| sculpture | Three-dimensional artworks created by carving or shaping materials such as stone, bone, clay, and jade. |
| stele | Upright stone slabs or pillars, often carved with designs or inscriptions, used in prehistoric cultures for ritual and memorializing purposes. |
| technique | The specific skills and methods artists employ to manipulate materials and create desired effects in their work. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| archaeological excavation | Systematic investigations of historical sites that uncover physical evidence and artifacts to inform understanding of past art and cultures. |
| carbon-14 dating | A scientific method used to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the decay of radioactive carbon isotopes. |
| ethnographic analogy | A methodological approach that uses observations of modern traditional cultural practices as models to interpret and understand ancient societies and their art. |
| iconography | The study of symbols, images, and their meanings in artworks, particularly how they convey cultural and religious significance. |
| interdisciplinary collaboration | The cooperative work of scholars from different academic fields, such as art history, archaeology, and physical sciences, to develop understanding of art and culture. |
| shamanism | A spiritual practice and belief system involving shamans who serve as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, considered the earliest widespread worldwide spiritual approach. |
| stratigraphic archaeology | An archaeological method that precisely records the location and sequence of layers and objects at a site to establish chronology and context. |
| transformational animal-human iconography | Symbolic imagery in prehistoric art depicting the transformation or merging of animal and human forms, often interpreted as shamanic in nature. |
| visionary aesthetic | An artistic approach or style that expresses spiritual visions or altered states of consciousness, often associated with shamanic practices in prehistoric cultures. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| clerestory | An architectural feature consisting of windows or openings in the upper walls of a building that allow light to enter the interior space. |
| eclecticism | An artistic approach that selectively borrows and combines stylistic elements from various sources and traditions. |
| formal types | Established categories or classifications of artworks defined by their structure, form, and compositional characteristics. |
| hierarchical scale | A compositional technique where the size of figures indicates their importance, with more significant figures depicted larger than others. |
| historical narratives | Visual depictions of historical events or stories told through sequential scenes or compositions in art. |
| material | The physical substances used by artists to create artworks, such as stone, bronze, or paint. |
| monumental stone architecture | Large-scale buildings and structures constructed primarily from stone, designed to endure and demonstrate power or importance. |
| pharaoh | The ruler of ancient Egypt, considered a god-king with absolute power and divine descent from the sun god. |
| portraiture | The artistic representation of individual people, typically emphasizing accurate depiction of physical features and likeness. |
| process | The methods and steps artists use to create artworks, including planning, construction, and execution techniques. |
| pylon | A massive sloped gateway structure characteristic of Egyptian temple architecture, typically flanking the entrance. |
| pyramid | Monumental Egyptian structures with a square base and triangular sides meeting at a point, built as tombs for pharaohs. |
| register | Horizontal bands or sections that divide a composition to organize narrative scenes or separate different subject matter. |
| rock-cut tombs | Burial chambers carved directly into rock formations, used in ancient Egypt as alternative monumental burial structures. |
| stylistic conventions | Established artistic practices and visual standards that represent subjects in consistent, recognizable ways within a particular culture or period. |
| technical innovation | New or improved methods and technologies developed to solve construction or artistic challenges in creating artworks. |
| technique | The specific skills and methods artists employ to manipulate materials and create desired effects in their work. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ancient Near East | The region encompassing modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel/Palestine, and surrounding areas in antiquity, known for early civilizations and artistic developments. |
| artistic conventions | Established practices, techniques, and aesthetic standards that are widely accepted and followed within a particular artistic tradition or culture. |
| artistic innovations | New or original developments in art-making techniques, forms, or approaches that represent departures from established conventions. |
| artistic styles | Characteristic approaches to creating art that reflect particular periods, cultures, or artistic movements, often recognizable through shared techniques and aesthetic principles. |
| artistic tradition | Established practices and styles in art-making that are passed down and developed over time within a culture or region. |
| dynastic Egypt | Ancient Egypt during periods ruled by successive royal dynasties, characterized by distinctive artistic and architectural traditions. |
| eclecticism | An artistic approach that selectively borrows and combines stylistic elements from various sources and traditions. |
| exchange of ideas | The transmission and sharing of artistic concepts, techniques, and aesthetic principles between different cultures. |
| Hellenistic | The artistic and cultural period following the conquests of Alexander the Great, characterized by the spread of Greek influence across the Mediterranean and Near East. |
| historicism | An artistic practice that deliberately references, imitates, or revives styles and forms from earlier historical periods. |
| reception of artistic styles | The process by which one culture adopts, interprets, and integrates artistic styles from another culture. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| audience | The intended viewers or recipients of a work of art, whose identity and expectations influence artistic choices and meaning. |
| civic ideals | Values and principles related to citizenship, community participation, and public life that influenced the creation of ancient Greek and Roman art. |
| conspicuous display | The deliberate exhibition of wealth, power, and status through art and architecture to demonstrate authority and influence. |
| content | The subject matter, themes, and symbolic meanings represented in a work of art. |
| context | The historical, cultural, religious, and social circumstances surrounding the creation and use of a work of art. |
| divinities | Representations of gods and goddesses in ancient art and religious contexts. |
| form | The physical shape, structure, and overall visual organization of a work of art. |
| function | The practical purpose or use of a work of art within its cultural context, such as religious ritual, commemoration, or display of power. |
| funerary complexes | Architectural structures and spaces designed for burial and commemoration of the dead, including tombs and associated buildings. |
| imperial values | Principles and ideals associated with imperial rule, including centralized power and authority, expressed in Roman art and architecture. |
| ka statues | Egyptian funerary sculptures created to house the ka, or spirit, of the deceased in the afterlife. |
| material | The physical substances used by artists to create artworks, such as stone, bronze, or paint. |
| palatial complexes | Large architectural structures designed as royal residences and centers of power, reflecting the authority and wealth of rulers. |
| patron | A person or institution that commissions, funds, or supports the creation of an artwork, thereby influencing its purpose and content. |
| polytheism | The belief in and worship of multiple gods, which shaped the religious art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. |
| public structures | Buildings and architectural complexes designed for communal use and civic purposes, such as forums, temples, and gathering spaces. |
| purpose | The intended function or reason for which a work of art was created, such as religious worship, commemoration, or display of power. |
| republican values | Principles and ideals associated with republican government, including civic participation and shared authority, expressed in Etruscan and Roman art. |
| royal figures | Depictions of kings, queens, and other members of the ruling class in ancient art, often used to display power and authority. |
| style | The distinctive manner and characteristics of artistic expression, including techniques, materials, and visual conventions used in a work of art. |
| ziggurats | Monumental stepped temple structures built in ancient Mesopotamia that served as settings for religious worship and displayed divine and royal power. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ancient Greek and Roman art | The artistic traditions of ancient Greece and Rome that form the foundation for later European and Mediterranean artistic development. |
| archaeological excavation | Systematic investigations of historical sites that uncover physical evidence and artifacts to inform understanding of past art and cultures. |
| archaic Greek | An early period of Ancient Greek art and culture, characterized by distinctive stylistic features, preceding the Classical period. |
| art-historical argument | A reasoned explanation or interpretation about a work or group of works of art supported by evidence and analysis. |
| cultural capitals | Major cities and centers recognized as primary sources of artistic and cultural influence and prestige. |
| Etruscan art | The artistic traditions of the Etruscan civilization in ancient Italy, primarily understood through archaeological evidence and external written sources. |
| provincial populations | Communities and subjects living outside major cultural and political centers, whose artistic production is now studied alongside elite art. |
| Roman Republic | The period of Ancient Roman history characterized by republican government, used as a chronological and political framework for organizing artworks. |
| stylistic analysis | The study of artworks based on their distinctive visual characteristics and formal qualities to identify patterns and periods. |
| theory and interpretation | Different frameworks and perspectives used to understand and explain the meaning, context, and significance of works of art that may change over time. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Age of Exploration | The period beginning in the late 15th century marked by European transoceanic voyages that resulted in global commercial and cultural networks. |
| allegory | An artistic genre using symbolic imagery to represent abstract ideas or moral lessons, practiced in Spanish colonial art. |
| Byzantine art | Art produced in the Byzantine Empire, characterized by religious imagery and formal conventions that influenced medieval European art. |
| calligraphic line | Artistic technique emphasizing expressive, flowing lines used in Islamic and migratory art traditions. |
| classicism | An artistic tradition based on the forms and principles of classical antiquity, revived in isolated regions during the medieval period. |
| colonization | The establishment of European control over territories and peoples in the Americas and other regions, resulting in cultural and artistic exchange. |
| cultural exchanges | The sharing and transmission of artistic forms, techniques, and ideas between different cultures through trade, conquest, and interaction. |
| decorative arts | Objects and works created primarily for aesthetic embellishment and functional use, often containing figural imagery in Islamic secular contexts. |
| formal vocabulary | The visual elements, techniques, and stylistic conventions used in art production and shared across cultures. |
| genre | A category of art depicting scenes of everyday life, practiced in Spanish colonial societies. |
| geometrical ornament | Decorative patterns based on geometric shapes characteristic of Islamic and migratory artistic traditions. |
| history painting | A genre of art depicting historical, mythological, or religious narratives, practiced in Spanish colonial art production. |
| hybridization | The blending of European and indigenous artistic ideas, forms, and materials in colonial art production. |
| indigenous ideas | Artistic concepts and traditions originating from native American cultures that were blended with European forms in colonial art. |
| Islamic art | Diverse art forms produced in regions with dominant Islamic culture, which may be religious or secular in nature and share similarities in content and visual characteristics. |
| migratory art | Artistic traditions brought by migratory tribes from eastern Europe, West Asia, and Scandinavia that influenced early and high medieval European art. |
| naturalism | An artistic approach that aims to depict subjects as they appear in nature with accurate representation of form, light, and detail. |
| organic ornament | Decorative patterns based on natural forms characteristic of Islamic and migratory artistic traditions. |
| portraiture | The artistic representation of individual people, typically emphasizing accurate depiction of physical features and likeness. |
| Roman art | Art produced in ancient Rome, whose forms, techniques, and classical traditions influenced medieval and later European artistic practices. |
| Spanish viceroyalties | Spanish colonial administrative territories in the Americas where art production exhibited hybridization of European and indigenous traditions. |
| transoceanic trade | Commercial exchange across oceans that facilitated the dissemination of European ideas, forms, and practices worldwide during the Age of Exploration. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| atmospheric perspective | A technique for creating the illusion of depth by depicting distant objects with less detail, lower contrast, and cooler colors than closer objects. |
| composition | The arrangement and organization of visual elements within a work of art. |
| figuration | The representation of recognizable human, animal, or object forms in art. |
| linear perspective | A technique for creating the illusion of depth on a flat surface by using converging lines that appear to meet at a vanishing point. |
| narrative | A visual representation of a story or sequence of events within a work of art. |
| naturalism | An artistic approach that aims to depict subjects as they appear in nature with accurate representation of form, light, and detail. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| academy | A sanctioned institution that trained artists and controlled access to major exhibition venues through juried selection. |
| altarpiece | A work of art, typically a panel painting or sculpture, displayed above or behind an altar in a religious setting. |
| commemorative | Art created to honor, remember, or celebrate a person, event, or historical moment. |
| devotional | Art created to inspire or support religious worship and personal spiritual practice. |
| didactic | Art created with the primary purpose of teaching or instructing viewers about religious, moral, or historical subjects. |
| elevation | An architectural drawing or view showing the vertical face or exterior design of a building. |
| figural imagery | Representations of human or divine figures used prominently in Asian religious art for veneration and spiritual practice. |
| ground plan | The architectural layout or floor plan of a building viewed from above, showing the arrangement of spaces and structural elements. |
| icon | A religious image or representation, typically of a sacred figure or event, used to facilitate spiritual connection and devotion. |
| iconography | The study of symbols, images, and their meanings in artworks, particularly how they convey cultural and religious significance. |
| metalwork | The process of shaping and working with metal to create artistic objects in Indigenous American art traditions. |
| patronage | The financial support and commissioning of artworks by individuals, institutions, or corporations that influenced the production, content, and display of art. |
| propagandistic | Art created to promote or advance a particular ideology, political message, or institutional authority. |
| reliquary | A container or shrine designed to hold and display sacred relics, often decorated with precious materials and religious imagery. |
| textiles | Woven or fabric art forms that were the most important art medium in West and Central Asia and dominated international trade between Europe and Asia. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| archaeological excavation | Systematic investigations of historical sites that uncover physical evidence and artifacts to inform understanding of past art and cultures. |
| art history | The academic discipline that studies works of art, their creation, context, and significance across time and cultures. |
| art history survey | A comprehensive overview of artistic development across time periods and regions, typically presenting a historical narrative. |
| art-historical argument | A reasoned explanation or interpretation about a work or group of works of art supported by evidence and analysis. |
| artistic tradition | Established practices and styles in art-making that are passed down and developed over time within a culture or region. |
| contextual information | Historical, cultural, and social background information that helps explain the creation and meaning of a work of art. |
| cultural appropriations | The adoption or adaptation of artistic elements, styles, or motifs from one culture by another. |
| cultural interactions | The exchanges, influences, and relationships between different cultures as reflected in artistic practices and styles. |
| curiosity cabinets | Collections of rare objects and artifacts from around the world gathered in European cultural centers during the early modern period. |
| early modern Atlantic world | The interconnected regions of Europe, Africa, and the Americas during the early modern period, characterized by increased cultural and economic exchange. |
| European medieval art | Visual works created in Europe during the Middle Ages, typically studied by chronological period, geographical region, and artistic style. |
| globalization | The process of increasing interconnection and exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across different regions of the world. |
| governmental records | Official documents from secular and religious authorities that provide historical context for understanding artworks. |
| literary records | Written texts and documents that provide evidence about the historical and cultural context of artworks. |
| nationalism | A modern ideology emphasizing national identity and interests, which emerged as a concept during the early modern period. |
| nationalist agendas | Ideological frameworks that prioritize national identity and interests, which have influenced how medieval art is categorized and studied. |
| primary source material | Original documents, artworks, and artifacts created during the historical period being studied. |
| race | A modern conception of human difference based on physical characteristics, developed and consolidated during the early modern period. |
| secondary scholarly literature | Academic writings and interpretations by scholars that analyze and discuss primary sources and historical events. |
| the West | A constructed historical and cultural concept referring to Europe and its cultural descendants, often used in traditional art historical narratives. |
| theological records | Religious texts and documents that provide information about the spiritual and religious context of artworks. |
| theory and interpretation | Different frameworks and perspectives used to understand and explain the meaning, context, and significance of works of art that may change over time. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| abstract expressionism | An artistic movement combining abstraction with expressive, gestural brushwork and emphasis on the artist's emotional and physical process. |
| abstraction | An artistic approach that simplifies or stylizes forms rather than representing them realistically, found throughout prehistoric art history. |
| artistic movements | Organized groups of artists and styles united by common philosophies, techniques, or goals during a particular historical period. |
| avant-garde | Artists and artistic practices that push boundaries and pioneer new styles and approaches ahead of mainstream acceptance. |
| Baroque revival | An architectural and artistic style that revived the dramatic, ornate, and emotionally expressive characteristics of Baroque art and architecture. |
| belief systems | Organized sets of religious, spiritual, or philosophical ideas that guide how a culture understands the world and conducts itself. |
| classical revival | An architectural and artistic style that revived elements and principles from ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture. |
| colonialism | The historical practice of establishing political and economic control over other territories and peoples, whose waning through independence movements has influenced global art production and representation. |
| constructivism | An artistic movement that emphasized geometric forms, industrial materials, and social and political engagement. |
| cubism | An artistic movement that fragmented and reassembled subjects from multiple viewpoints, challenging traditional perspective. |
| cultural practices | The customs, rituals, and traditional activities of a society that are reflected in and inform artistic and architectural creation. |
| earth and environmental art | An artistic practice that uses natural materials and landscapes as the medium, often addressing environmental concerns. |
| Enlightenment | An intellectual movement emphasizing scientific inquiry, empirical evidence, and human rights that shaped artistic and cultural values from the mid-1700s onward. |
| expressionism | An artistic movement that prioritized emotional experience and subjective interpretation over realistic representation. |
| Gothic revival | An architectural and artistic style that revived medieval Gothic elements, characterized by pointed arches, ornate details, and vertical emphasis. |
| impressionism | An artistic movement focused on capturing light, color, and momentary impressions through loose brushwork and contemporary subjects. |
| industrialization | The development of industries and manufacturing on a large scale, which transformed society and inspired artistic responses. |
| modernism | A broad artistic and cultural movement emphasizing innovation, experimentation, and rejection of traditional forms and values. |
| neoclassicism | An artistic style that drew inspiration from classical Greek and Roman art, emphasizing order, harmony, and idealized forms. |
| performance art | An artistic practice in which the artist's actions, presence, and body become the primary medium of artistic expression. |
| physical setting | The geographic location, environment, and landscape that influences the creation and function of art. |
| pop art | An artistic movement that incorporated imagery from popular culture, mass media, and consumer goods into fine art. |
| post-impressionism | An artistic movement that built upon impressionism while emphasizing form, structure, and symbolic content. |
| postmodern theory | A philosophical approach that questions grand narratives, embraces plurality and irony, and challenges modernist assumptions in art and culture. |
| realism | An artistic movement that sought to depict subjects and scenes from everyday life with accuracy and without idealization. |
| Renaissance revival | An architectural and artistic style that revived the principles and aesthetics of the Renaissance period, emphasizing humanism and classical proportions. |
| revival styles | Architectural and artistic movements that deliberately revived and reinterpreted historical styles from previous periods, such as classical, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque forms. |
| Romanticism | An artistic and philosophical movement that critiqued Enlightenment rationalism and industrialization, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individual experience. |
| surrealism | An artistic movement that explored the unconscious mind, dreams, and irrational imagery influenced by Freudian psychology. |
| symbolism | An artistic movement that used symbols and metaphorical imagery to express ideas, emotions, and spiritual concepts. |
| urbanization | The growth and development of cities and urban areas, creating new subjects and contexts for artistic practice. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| academy | A sanctioned institution that trained artists and controlled access to major exhibition venues through juried selection. |
| art commodity | Artwork treated as a tradable good with monetary value that appreciates over time in the market. |
| commercial art galleries | Private businesses that display and sell artworks to the public, becoming important venues for art distribution. |
| juried salon | An exhibition where selected judges determine which artworks are displayed, controlling access for artists seeking recognition. |
| manifesto | A published declaration of artistic beliefs and principles, often used by artist groups to communicate their goals and values. |
| museum | An institution that collects, preserves, and displays artworks, becoming important for civic and national status. |
| patronage | The financial support and commissioning of artworks by individuals, institutions, or corporations that influenced the production, content, and display of art. |
| radical individualism | An artistic approach emphasizing personal expression and innovation over adherence to academic traditions and rules. |
| Salon | A public exhibition in Paris where artists displayed their work, serving as a major venue for art display and artist recognition. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| appropriation | An artistic technique in which artists incorporate existing objects, images, or cultural materials into new works to recontextualize or revalue them. |
| cantilevering | An architectural technique where a horizontal structural element extends beyond its support, creating an overhanging form. |
| earthwork | Large-scale artworks created by manipulating natural landscapes and earth materials, often monumental in scale. |
| ferroconcrete construction | A building technique combining reinforced concrete with steel reinforcement to create strong, durable structures. |
| film | A time-based medium using moving images and sound, employed by artists to create narrative and experimental works. |
| international style | A modernist architectural movement characterized by clean lines, geometric forms, and the use of new materials like steel and glass. |
| lithography | A printmaking technique based on the principle that oil and water do not mix, allowing artists to create multiple copies of an image. |
| mass production | The industrial manufacture of goods in large quantities, which supplied artists with ready-made images and objects to appropriate. |
| performance art | An artistic practice in which the artist's actions, presence, and body become the primary medium of artistic expression. |
| photography | A medium that captures images using light and chemical or digital processes, adopted by artists as a new form of artistic expression. |
| postmodernism | An artistic and architectural movement that challenged modernist principles by incorporating historical references, ornamentation, and diverse styles. |
| prefabrication | The manufacturing of components or structures in advance, away from the final site, then assembled on location. |
| serigraphy | A printmaking technique using a mesh screen and stencil to push ink through onto a surface, allowing for bold colors and multiple layers. |
| skyscrapers | Tall multistory buildings made possible by advances in steel frame and concrete construction technology. |
| steel frame | A structural system using steel beams and columns to support buildings, enabling taller and more flexible architectural designs. |
| video | A time-based medium using electronic recording and playback technology, used by artists to document and create works. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| art-historical argument | A reasoned explanation or interpretation about a work or group of works of art supported by evidence and analysis. |
| scholarship | Academic research and study that informs and shapes the understanding and interpretation of art and art history. |
| theory and interpretation | Different frameworks and perspectives used to understand and explain the meaning, context, and significance of works of art that may change over time. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| aclla | High-status Inka women weavers kept cloistered and known for their collaborative textile production. |
| ancient America | Art created before 1550 CE in regions south of the current United States-Mexico border, including Mesoamerica, Central America, and Andean South America. |
| Andean art | Artistic traditions from the Andes region of South America, including textiles and ceramics from ancient Inka civilization. |
| Andean South America | The ancient cultural region of the Central Andes comprising present-day southern Ecuador, Peru, western Bolivia, and northern Chile. |
| artificial mummification | The practice of preserving human remains through deliberate techniques, practiced in the Andes from 5500 BCE onward. |
| belief systems | Organized sets of religious, spiritual, or philosophical ideas that guide how a culture understands the world and conducts itself. |
| camelid fiber | Textile material derived from camelid animals, a prominent material in Central Andean art and textiles. |
| Central America | A geographical and cultural region of Ancient America located between Mesoamerica and Andean South America. |
| Chavín | An early Central Andean culture dating c. 1200-500 BCE in the northern highlands with influence extending to the southern coast. |
| colonial artists | Artists working during the colonial period who blended European and indigenous artistic traditions in their work. |
| cultural practices | The customs, rituals, and traditional activities of a society that are reflected in and inform artistic and architectural creation. |
| cultural revitalization | The process of renewing and maintaining indigenous artistic traditions and cultural practices in contemporary contexts. |
| cyclicality | A cultural concept in Andean societies emphasizing repeating patterns and cycles rather than linear progression. |
| dualism | A philosophical concept in Andean art emphasizing contrast, asymmetry, and the coexistence of opposing forces. |
| Eastern Woodlands | A regional subunit of Native North America with distinctive artistic styles and cultural practices. |
| figural art | Art that depicts recognizable human or animal forms, particularly used in Mesoamerican sculpture and two-dimensional works. |
| First Nations | The term used in Canada for the indigenous peoples inhabiting areas north of the United States-Mexico border. |
| globalized contemporary art world | The interconnected international art scene in which artists from diverse cultures, including Native Americans, participate and exchange ideas. |
| grave goods | Objects placed with the deceased for use in the afterlife, a primary purpose for Andean art production. |
| Indigenous Americas | The artistic traditions and cultures of the first peoples of North, Central, and South America, developed independently from c. 10,000 BCE to 1492 CE. |
| Inka | A late Central Andean culture and empire that existed from 1438-1534 CE, covering the entire Central Andes region. |
| Maya | An ancient Mesoamerican civilization known for their writing system, mathematics, astronomy, and monumental architecture. |
| Mesoamerica | The ancient cultural region encompassing present-day Mexico (from Mexico City southward), Guatemala, Belize, and western Honduras, home to the Olmec, Maya, and Mexica civilizations. |
| Mexica | The Aztec people of ancient Mesoamerica; their art and culture have been influential in Mexican nationalism and modern art. |
| Native American art | Contemporary and traditional artistic practices created by indigenous peoples of North America, reflecting cultural identity and modern global participation. |
| Native North America | Traditionally oriented cultures and art north of the United States-Mexico border from ancient times to the present, with emphasis on the period from 1492 CE onward. |
| Northwest Coast | A regional subunit of Native North America with distinctive artistic styles and cultural practices. |
| Olmec | An ancient Mesoamerican culture that existed during the first millennium BCE, primarily in the Gulf Coast region. |
| physical setting | The geographic location, environment, and landscape that influences the creation and function of art. |
| Plains | A regional subunit of Native North America with distinctive artistic styles and cultural practices. |
| potlatch | A large ritual ceremony practiced by Native American groups, particularly in the Northwest Coast region. |
| pre-Hispanic traditions | Artistic and cultural practices from indigenous Mesoamerican and Andean civilizations before European contact and colonization. |
| Puebloan pottery | Traditional ceramic art form created by Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest, representing a revival of ancient artistic practices. |
| reciprocity | A cultural value in Andean societies emphasizing mutual exchange and interdependence between individuals and communities. |
| shamanic transformation | A spiritual concept depicted in Indigenous American art showing humans transforming into animal or cosmic forms through shamanic visionary experience. |
| shamanistic religion | A spiritual practice in Indigenous American cultures involving shamans as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds. |
| Southwest | A regional subunit of Native North America with distinctive artistic styles and cultural practices. |
| sun dance | A large ritual ceremony practiced by Native American groups, particularly in the Plains region. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| acropolis | A complex of monumental structures built on elevated terrain, created through repeated renovation and enlargement of sacred sites in Mesoamerica. |
| adobe architecture | Structures built from sun-dried mud bricks, a building technique used in Native American art and architecture. |
| Andean culture | The civilization of the Andes Mountains region that developed distinctive artistic traditions emphasizing trade in exotic materials and textiles. |
| basketry | The craft of weaving flexible materials into baskets and other functional objects in Indigenous American art. |
| beadwork | An artistic technique of sewing beads onto surfaces to create decorative patterns and designs in Native American art. |
| bone carving | An artistic process of shaping and carving bone into functional and decorative objects in Indigenous American art traditions. |
| ceramic | Objects made from clay and hardened by heat, representing one of humanity's earliest and most significant artistic media. |
| earthwork | Large-scale artworks created by manipulating natural landscapes and earth materials, often monumental in scale. |
| featherwork | An artistic technique using feathers as a primary medium to create decorative and functional objects in Indigenous American art. |
| five-direction cosmic geometry | A spiritual and spatial concept incorporating north, south, east, west, and center directions that structures Indigenous American artistic traditions. |
| greenstone | A valuable trade material such as turquoise and jadeite used in Indigenous American art, highly valued in the materials hierarchy. |
| hide painting | An artistic technique of painting on animal hides to create decorated surfaces with spiritual and practical significance. |
| jadeite | A green stone used as a trade material and incorporated into Indigenous American artistic traditions. |
| Mesoamerican pyramids | Large stepped stone structures built in Mesoamerica that evolved from earthworks to multi-level temples serving religious and ceremonial functions. |
| metalwork | The process of shaping and working with metal to create artistic objects in Indigenous American art traditions. |
| obsidian | A volcanic glass material used in Indigenous American art, positioned in the middle tier of the Andean materials hierarchy. |
| post-and-lintel | An architectural construction method using vertical posts supporting horizontal beams, commonly used in Mesoamerican architecture. |
| quillwork | An artistic technique using porcupine quills to decorate and embellish objects in Native American art. |
| relief sculpture | A sculptural technique where figures project from a flat background surface, often used to decorate Mesoamerican architecture. |
| shamanism | A spiritual practice and belief system involving shamans who serve as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, considered the earliest widespread worldwide spiritual approach. |
| spiny oyster | A shell material used as a trade material in Indigenous American art. |
| textiles | Woven or fabric art forms that were the most important art medium in West and Central Asia and dominated international trade between Europe and Asia. |
| turquoise | A blue-green stone used as a trade material and incorporated into Indigenous American artistic traditions. |
| weaving | A technique of interlacing fibers or threads to create textiles and other fiber-based artworks. |
| wood carving | An artistic technique of shaping and carving wood into functional and decorative objects in Indigenous American art. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| apprentice-master relationships | A system of artistic training in which a master artist teaches and mentors an apprentice in techniques and practices. |
| astronomical observation | The study and tracking of celestial bodies and their movements, reflected in artistic expressions and intellectual pursuits of Indigenous American cultures. |
| calendrical rituals | Ceremonial practices tied to astronomical or seasonal cycles, often performed in public spaces for large audiences. |
| gender specialization | The division of artistic labor by gender, such as women engaging in weaving and men in carving. |
| life force | In Indigenous American art, a spiritual or vital energy believed to be contained within, transferred by, or represented through artworks. |
| participatory art | Art that is active and involves engagement or participation rather than passive viewing by an audience. |
| patron | A person or institution that commissions, funds, or supports the creation of an artwork, thereby influencing its purpose and content. |
| ritual object | Artworks created for ceremonial or religious purposes, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and practices of prehistoric communities. |
| workshops | Spaces where artists, typically elite specialists, produced art, often involving apprentice-master relationships and collaborative production. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ancient America | Art created before 1550 CE in regions south of the current United States-Mexico border, including Mesoamerica, Central America, and Andean South America. |
| archaeological excavation | Systematic investigations of historical sites that uncover physical evidence and artifacts to inform understanding of past art and cultures. |
| art history | The academic discipline that studies works of art, their creation, context, and significance across time and cultures. |
| black-on-black ceramic | A pottery technique producing dark vessels with matte and glossy surface variations, revived by Maria and Julian Martinez. |
| colonization | The establishment of European control over territories and peoples in the Americas and other regions, resulting in cultural and artistic exchange. |
| ethnographic analogy | A methodological approach that uses observations of modern traditional cultural practices as models to interpret and understand ancient societies and their art. |
| ethnohistoric documents | Written records that combine historical information with ethnographic data about indigenous peoples and their cultures. |
| formal analysis | The study of artworks based on their visual and structural elements, such as composition, color, line, and form. |
| hieroglyphs | A system of writing using symbolic characters and images, used by the Mayas and Mexica to record text and artistic information. |
| iconographic analysis | The examination of symbolic content and meaning in artworks to understand cultural and religious significance. |
| iconography | The study of symbols, images, and their meanings in artworks, particularly how they convey cultural and religious significance. |
| Inka | A late Central Andean culture and empire that existed from 1438-1534 CE, covering the entire Central Andes region. |
| Maria and Julian Martinez | Pueblo potters who revived ancient black-on-black ceramic techniques, demonstrating cultural continuity and artistic innovation. |
| Maya | An ancient Mesoamerican civilization known for their writing system, mathematics, astronomy, and monumental architecture. |
| Mexica | The Aztec people of ancient Mesoamerica; their art and culture have been influential in Mexican nationalism and modern art. |
| multidisciplinary collaboration | The integration of multiple academic disciplines and research methods to study and interpret artworks and cultures. |
| Native North America | Traditionally oriented cultures and art north of the United States-Mexico border from ancient times to the present, with emphasis on the period from 1492 CE onward. |
| Puebloans | Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest known for their distinctive pottery, architecture, and cultural traditions. |
| Spanish chronicles | Written accounts by Spanish invaders, friars, and colonists documenting indigenous monuments and artistic practices during and after conquest. |
| theory and interpretation | Different frameworks and perspectives used to understand and explain the meaning, context, and significance of works of art that may change over time. |
| tribal history | The recorded or oral accounts of indigenous peoples' past, traditions, and cultural development. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| administrative centers | Locations where governmental and organizational functions are conducted and authority is exercised. |
| African diaspora | The dispersal of African peoples and their cultural contributions to populations around the world. |
| animal husbandry | The practice of breeding and raising domesticated animals for food, labor, and other resources. |
| astronomical cycles | Regular celestial phenomena such as equinoxes and solstices that prehistoric peoples observed and incorporated into their artistic and cultural practices. |
| belief systems | Organized sets of religious, spiritual, or philosophical ideas that guide how a culture understands the world and conducts itself. |
| carving | A technique of shaping materials by cutting away portions to create a form or design. |
| casting | A metalworking process in which molten metal is poured into a mold to create a form. |
| contemporary African arts | Modern artistic practices from the African continent that demonstrate dynamic traditions and increase global awareness of African creativity. |
| cosmopolitan patterns | Ongoing interactions and exchanges between African populations and the rest of the world that influenced artistic and intellectual traditions. |
| cultural interactions | The exchanges, influences, and relationships between different cultures as reflected in artistic practices and styles. |
| cultural practices | The customs, rituals, and traditional activities of a society that are reflected in and inform artistic and architectural creation. |
| dynamic intellectual and artistic traditions | Evolving creative practices and ideas that result from Africa's ongoing interactions with the rest of the world. |
| expressive art | Art that communicates ideas, emotions, and beliefs rather than attempting to realistically depict the visible world. |
| forging | A metalworking technique of shaping metal by heating and hammering. |
| Great Zimbabwe | An ancient city in southern Africa known for its monumental stone architecture and role as an administrative center. |
| Harlem Renaissance | A cultural and artistic movement that expanded notions of place and race through African American creative contributions. |
| human migrations | The movement of populations across geographic regions, which facilitated the spread of arts, religions, and trade. |
| identity | The characteristics, beliefs, and affiliations that define an individual or group within a society. |
| Igbo Ukwu | An archaeological site in Nigeria known for its sophisticated bronze artifacts and evidence of early urban development. |
| international trade routes | Established pathways for commerce and exchange between distant regions that facilitated the distribution of artistic traditions and cultural practices. |
| Kilwa Kisiwani | An island city on the East African coast that served as an important administrative and trading center. |
| liturgical centers | Sacred or ceremonial sites where religious rituals and spiritual practices are performed. |
| liturgical cycles | Recurring religious ceremonies and rituals that structure spiritual and communal life. |
| material | The physical substances used by artists to create artworks, such as stone, bronze, or paint. |
| maturational cycles | Stages of human development and growth marked by rituals, ceremonies, or artistic expressions. |
| media | The forms through which art is expressed, including vocal, aural, and visual forms. |
| Meroë | An ancient city in Nubia (present-day Sudan) that served as an administrative and cultural center demonstrating monumental architecture. |
| modeling | A technique of shaping materials such as clay or other malleable substances to create three-dimensional forms. |
| monumental architecture | Large-scale, impressive structures built to demonstrate power, authority, or religious significance. |
| Negritude | A literary and intellectual movement that expanded notions of place and race, celebrating African and African diaspora identity and culture. |
| pharaonic Egypt | Ancient Egyptian civilization during the period of rule by pharaohs, characterized by monumental architecture and complex belief systems. |
| physical setting | The geographic location, environment, and landscape that influences the creation and function of art. |
| process | The methods and steps artists use to create artworks, including planning, construction, and execution techniques. |
| representational art | Art that aims to depict or imitate the appearance of objects, people, or scenes from the natural world. |
| rock art | Artistic expressions created on rock surfaces, including paintings and engravings found in early African sites. |
| Santeria | A religious and artistic practice reflecting African cultural traditions and their adaptation in diaspora communities. |
| seasonal cycles | Recurring periods of the year marked by changes in climate and environment that influence cultural and artistic practices. |
| status | Social rank or position within a community, often demonstrated through the creation and possession of particular art objects. |
| technique | The specific skills and methods artists employ to manipulate materials and create desired effects in their work. |
| Timbuktu | A historic city in Mali that served as an important administrative and cultural center in West Africa. |
| urbanization | The growth and development of cities and urban areas, creating new subjects and contexts for artistic practice. |
| weaving | A technique of interlacing fibers or threads to create textiles and other fiber-based artworks. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| achieved status | Social position earned through individual accomplishment or merit. |
| aesthetic choices | Deliberate decisions about the visual and artistic qualities of an artwork that communicate identity and status. |
| arts of authority | Artworks that legitimize and reinforce leadership, power, and social hierarchy. |
| civic responsibility | Duties and obligations individuals hold toward their community, often reinforced through artistic practices. |
| common ancestors | Shared forebears whose memory and influence link community members and validate social organization. |
| cultural protocols | Established customs and rules that govern the appropriate creation, use, and interpretation of artworks within a society. |
| custodianship | The responsibility for caring for and maintaining an artwork, typically held by the person who commissioned it or their family. |
| divination | The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or unknown through spiritual or artistic means. |
| diviner | A specialist who prescribes or determines the appropriate use and form of artworks for spiritual purposes. |
| efficacy | The power or ability of an artwork to produce a desired effect or result within its cultural context. |
| figural sculptures | Three-dimensional artworks that represent human or animal forms. |
| incorporation into adulthood | Ceremonial and educational processes marked by the creation and interpretation of artworks that transition individuals into adult roles. |
| inherited status | Social position passed down through family lineage or birth. |
| intended audience | The specific group of people for whom an artwork is created, which influences the artist's choices in form, content, and presentation. |
| masks | Carved or constructed face coverings worn in African performances and rituals to embody spirits, ancestors, or characters. |
| patron | A person or institution that commissions, funds, or supports the creation of an artwork, thereby influencing its purpose and content. |
| personal adornment | Decorative objects or artworks worn on the body to enhance appearance and express identity. |
| purpose | The intended function or reason for which a work of art was created, such as religious worship, commemoration, or display of power. |
| ritual purposes | The ceremonial and spiritual functions of artworks, including religious observances and sacred practices. |
| supplicant | A person who requests or commissions an artwork, typically for a specific spiritual or practical need. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| African art objects | Works of art created by African artists and cultures, often studied within their cultural and historical contexts. |
| art-historical argument | A reasoned explanation or interpretation about a work or group of works of art supported by evidence and analysis. |
| ethnic group | A community of people sharing a common cultural identity, heritage, and often geographic origin. |
| scholarship | Academic research and study that informs and shapes the understanding and interpretation of art and art history. |
| theory and interpretation | Different frameworks and perspectives used to understand and explain the meaning, context, and significance of works of art that may change over time. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| calligraphy | The art of beautiful handwriting and letter forms, particularly prominent in Islamic art for transmitting sacred texts. |
| casting | A metalworking process in which molten metal is poured into a mold to create a form. |
| chasing | A metalworking technique involving the use of tools to create decorative patterns or details on a metal surface. |
| cobalt-on-white slip painting | A ceramic decoration technique featuring cobalt pigment painted on white slip (liquid clay), a technical advancement developed in West Asia. |
| embossing | A metalworking technique that creates a raised design or pattern on a metal surface. |
| geometric forms | Decorative elements based on mathematical shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, and polygons used in West and Central Asian art. |
| gilding | The process of applying a thin layer of gold or gold-colored material to the surface of metal or other objects. |
| inlaying | A metalworking process in which one metal or material is set into the surface of another to create decorative effects. |
| Iznik tile work | Ottoman ceramic tile production known for its distinctive decorative designs and export ceramics created during the Ottoman dynasty. |
| lusterware | A ceramic technique developed in West Asia that creates a metallic sheen or luster on pottery surfaces through special firing processes. |
| manuscript painting | The art of creating painted illustrations and decorations within written manuscripts, a major painting form in West and Central Asia. |
| mosaic-tile architecture | An architectural decoration method using small ceramic tiles arranged to create patterns and designs, particularly prominent in Persian and Islamic architecture. |
| organic forms | Decorative elements based on natural shapes found in nature, used alongside geometric patterns in West and Central Asian art. |
| patterned landscapes | Landscape compositions that emphasize decorative patterns and designs rather than naturalistic spatial depth. |
| silk velvets | Luxurious textile fabrics made from silk with a soft, dense pile surface, produced in West and Central Asia. |
| silk-tapestry weaving | A textile technique using silk threads to create tapestry fabrics, a form developed in West and Central Asia. |
| thangka | A large painting on cloth depicting Buddhist deities and mandalas, a painting form from the Himalayan regions of Central Asia. |
| tipped perspectives | A compositional technique in which figures and objects are depicted at tilted or elevated angles rather than from a single vanishing point. |
| two-dimensional design | An artistic approach emphasizing flat surfaces and patterns rather than three-dimensional depth, characteristic of West Asian art styles. |
| vegetal designs | Decorative patterns featuring plant and floral motifs, a characteristic element of West and Central Asian artistic styles. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| audience | The intended viewers or recipients of a work of art, whose identity and expectations influence artistic choices and meaning. |
| belief systems | Organized sets of religious, spiritual, or philosophical ideas that guide how a culture understands the world and conducts itself. |
| Buddhism | A major religious tradition that developed in South Asia and spread throughout East and Southeast Asia, generating distinctive religious art forms. |
| Buddhist cave architecture | Religious structures carved into rock formations in Central Asia, incorporating relief carving, sculpture, and wall painting. |
| calligraphy | The art of beautiful handwriting and letter forms, particularly prominent in Islamic art for transmitting sacred texts. |
| cultural practices | The customs, rituals, and traditional activities of a society that are reflected in and inform artistic and architectural creation. |
| Dome of the Rock | An Islamic commemorative monument and shrine built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. |
| Islam | A world religion that originated in the 7th century CE in West Asia, whose religious traditions and practices significantly influenced art and art-making across West and Central Asia. |
| Islamic art | Diverse art forms produced in regions with dominant Islamic culture, which may be religious or secular in nature and share similarities in content and visual characteristics. |
| Jowo Rinpoche | A sacred Buddha sculpture considered the most sacred image in Tibet, demonstrating the importance of pilgrimage in Buddhist art and religious practice. |
| Kaaba | A sacred cubic structure located in Mecca that is the holiest site in Islam and a focal point for Muslim prayer. |
| mihrab | A niche or empty alcove in the Qibla wall of a mosque that serves as a focal point for prayer. |
| minaret | A tower attached to a mosque from which the call to prayer is announced. |
| minbar | A pulpit in a mosque from which the imam leads prayer and delivers sermons. |
| monastic architecture | Religious buildings designed to house communities of monks or nuns, particularly in Tibetan Buddhist traditions. |
| mosque | An Islamic place of worship featuring a Qibla wall facing Mecca and a mihrab niche for prayer, typically decorated with calligraphy and vegetal forms rather than figural imagery. |
| nonfigural imagery | Visual decoration that does not depict human or animal figures, including calligraphy, geometric patterns, and vegetal forms. |
| patron | A person or institution that commissions, funds, or supports the creation of an artwork, thereby influencing its purpose and content. |
| physical setting | The geographic location, environment, and landscape that influences the creation and function of art. |
| pilgrimage | An important religious practice in Islam and Buddhism involving a sacred journey to holy sites, which served as a key focus for monuments and artworks in West and Central Asia. |
| Qibla wall | The wall in a mosque that faces the direction of Mecca and the Kaaba, oriented to guide prayer. |
| relief carving | A sculptural technique where figures or designs are carved to project from a flat background surface. |
| stupa | A Buddhist architectural monument, typically dome-shaped, built to house relics or commemorate Buddhist teachings. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Buddhism | A major religious tradition that developed in South Asia and spread throughout East and Southeast Asia, generating distinctive religious art forms. |
| Buddhist figural imagery | Depictions of Buddha, attendants, teachers, practitioners, and deities used as a primary form of visual communication in Buddhist communities. |
| Buddhist sculpture | Sculptural art form associated with Buddhism that was transmitted and influenced artistic traditions in West and Central Asia. |
| calligraphy | The art of beautiful handwriting and letter forms, particularly prominent in Islamic art for transmitting sacred texts. |
| ceramic-tile decoration | An art form involving decorated ceramic tiles that was transmitted across West and Central Asian cultures. |
| chinoiserie | A European-influenced artistic style incorporating Chinese aesthetic elements, particularly evident in Persian art. |
| cultural interchanges | The exchange and transmission of artistic, religious, and cultural ideas between different societies and regions. |
| decorative arts | Objects and works created primarily for aesthetic embellishment and functional use, often containing figural imagery in Islamic secular contexts. |
| figural art | Art that depicts recognizable human or animal forms, particularly used in Mesoamerican sculpture and two-dimensional works. |
| geometric forms | Decorative elements based on mathematical shapes such as circles, squares, triangles, and polygons used in West and Central Asian art. |
| Hellenistic architecture | Architectural style from the Greek world that was transmitted and influenced art forms in West and Central Asia. |
| iconic culture | A cultural tradition in which invoked figural imagery holds religious and spiritual significance and is used in veneration and practice. |
| idealized figural art | Artistic tradition characterized by idealized human representations, particularly associated with Indian-inspired styles in Central Asia. |
| illumination | Decorative embellishment of manuscripts using gold, silver, and colored pigments to enhance text and imagery. |
| Islam | A world religion that originated in the 7th century CE in West Asia, whose religious traditions and practices significantly influenced art and art-making across West and Central Asia. |
| Islamic metalworks | Metal art objects created in Islamic West and Central Asia, often featuring Christian subject matter, that were traded in Mediterranean regions. |
| Iznik wares | Ceramic pottery created in Turkey that was an important trade item in international commerce between Europe and Asia. |
| Khamsa of Nizami | A collection of Persian poems by Nizami that may contain religious content illustrated in secular literary contexts. |
| mandala | A circular or geometric design in Buddhist art that represents the universe and is used in spiritual practice and meditation. |
| manuscript painting | The art of creating painted illustrations and decorations within written manuscripts, a major painting form in West and Central Asia. |
| mosque architecture | The design and structure of Islamic places of worship, typically decorated with nonfigural imagery. |
| Mughal arts | Artistic traditions of India that were influenced by Persianate arts from the Timurid and Safavid dynasties. |
| nonfigural imagery | Visual decoration that does not depict human or animal figures, including calligraphy, geometric patterns, and vegetal forms. |
| Ottoman arts | Artistic traditions of Turkey that were influenced by Persianate arts from the Timurid and Safavid dynasties. |
| Persianate arts | Artistic traditions influenced by Persian culture, particularly from the Timurid and Safavid dynasties, that had significant international influence. |
| Qur'an | The holy Islamic sacred text, which is not illustrated with figural imagery in religious contexts. |
| sacred and secular contexts | The distinction between religious/spiritual purposes and non-religious/worldly purposes in the creation and use of artworks. |
| Safavid dynasty | A Persian dynasty of Iran whose artistic traditions influenced Ottoman and Mughal arts and had great international impact. |
| Shahnama | An ancient Persian epic poem depicting kings and heroes, whose narratives are illustrated in Islamic secular manuscript art. |
| Silk Route | An ancient network of trade routes connecting the Greco-Roman world with China and India, facilitating cultural and artistic exchange across West, Central, and East Asia. |
| textiles | Woven or fabric art forms that were the most important art medium in West and Central Asia and dominated international trade between Europe and Asia. |
| theory and interpretation | Different frameworks and perspectives used to understand and explain the meaning, context, and significance of works of art that may change over time. |
| Timurid dynasty | A Persian dynasty of Iran whose artistic traditions influenced Ottoman and Mughal arts and had great international impact. |
| vegetal forms | Decorative patterns based on plant and floral motifs, used in Islamic art and architecture. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Buddhist reliquary stupas | Dome-shaped Buddhist monuments constructed to house sacred relics and serve as objects of veneration. |
| calligraphy | The art of beautiful handwriting and letter forms, particularly prominent in Islamic art for transmitting sacred texts. |
| carpet weaving | A textile technique used to create decorative and functional carpets, an important art form in South, East, and Southeast Asian regions. |
| ceramic vessels | Pottery objects made from clay and hardened through firing, representing one of the earliest art forms in Asia dating back to prehistoric times. |
| contour drawing | A painting technique that emphasizes the outline and edges of forms rather than modeling through shading and volume. |
| cotton weaving | A textile technique using cotton fibers to create woven fabrics, an important textile form in South, East, and Southeast Asia. |
| Japanese woodblock printing | A printmaking technique where images are carved into wooden blocks and used to create multiple prints, a distinctive art form from Japan. |
| manuscript painting | The art of creating painted illustrations and decorations within written manuscripts, a major painting form in West and Central Asia. |
| monochromatic ink painting | A painting technique using black ink in varying tones on silk or paper, developed in China and emphasizing brushwork and composition. |
| pagoda | An architectural form developed in Asia, based on Chinese watchtowers, typically featuring multiple tiers and used in Buddhist contexts. |
| piece-molding technique | A unique bronze casting method used by the Shang dynasty in China where separate mold pieces are assembled to create a vessel. |
| porcelain | A high-fire ceramic material developed in Asia, characterized by its strength, whiteness, and refined quality. |
| rock gardens | Carefully composed landscapes using rocks, plants, and water as distinctive art forms in East Asian aesthetics. |
| rock-cut caves | Caves carved into stone to create Buddhist shrines, stupas, and monastic spaces, found across Asia from India through Central Asia to China. |
| silk-tapestry weaving | A textile technique using silk threads to create tapestry fabrics, a form developed in West and Central Asia. |
| stone carving | The process of shaping stone to create sculptures, architectural elements, and decorative features in South, East, and Southeast Asian art. |
| tea houses | Architectural structures in East Asia designed for the practice of tea ceremonies and related aesthetic rituals. |
| wall painting | A painting technique applied directly to walls, one of the two primary forms of painting in Asian art traditions. |
| wood carving | An artistic technique of shaping and carving wood into functional and decorative objects in Indigenous American art. |
| wool-tapestry weaving | A textile technique using wool threads to create woven tapestries, practiced in South, East, and Southeast Asian regions. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| animistic nature spirits | Spiritual beings believed to inhabit natural elements and landscapes in East Asian religions, particularly Shinto. |
| belief systems | Organized sets of religious, spiritual, or philosophical ideas that guide how a culture understands the world and conducts itself. |
| Buddhism | A major religious tradition that developed in South Asia and spread throughout East and Southeast Asia, generating distinctive religious art forms. |
| calligraphy | The art of beautiful handwriting and letter forms, particularly prominent in Islamic art for transmitting sacred texts. |
| Confucianism | An East Asian ethical system of behaviors that developed in China and influenced artistic and cultural traditions. |
| courtly art | Artwork created for royal courts and the nobility, often depicting court life and serving to display wealth and power. |
| cultural practices | The customs, rituals, and traditional activities of a society that are reflected in and inform artistic and architectural creation. |
| Dao | The fundamental principle in Daoism representing the way of nature and the universe. |
| Daoism | An East Asian religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the Dao, influencing artistic traditions. |
| Dongson culture | A Bronze Age culture in Southeast Asia known for its distinctive artistic traditions. |
| figural imagery | Representations of human or divine figures used prominently in Asian religious art for veneration and spiritual practice. |
| Gangetic Plain | A key geographic region in South Asia where core social and religious beliefs developed and spread across larger cultural spheres. |
| Gupta India | A great civilization and ruling dynasty in South Asia that became a core cultural center. |
| Han China | A great civilization and ruling dynasty in East Asia that became a core cultural center. |
| Heian Japan | A great civilization and ruling dynasty in East Asia that became a core cultural center. |
| Hindu temple | A distinctive Asian architectural form developed to support Hindu religious practice and beliefs. |
| Hinduism | A major religious tradition that developed in South Asia and influenced distinctive religious art forms across the region. |
| iconic images | Distinctive visual representations of divinities and revered teachers used in Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions. |
| iconographic compositions | Elaborate artistic works using symbolic religious imagery in sculptures, textiles, and wall paintings in Asian religious art. |
| Indic worldview | An ancient philosophical framework that differentiated earthly and cosmic realms, recognized sacred sites and beings, and understood time and life as cyclic. |
| Indus River Valley | A key geographic region in South Asia where a sophisticated ancient civilization developed core social and religious beliefs. |
| Indus Valley civilization | A sophisticated Neolithic and Bronze Age civilization that thrived in Pakistan and India and contributed to the development of South Asian culture. |
| intended audience | The specific group of people for whom an artwork is created, which influences the artist's choices in form, content, and presentation. |
| Islamic architecture | Architectural traditions developed in Islamic cultures, including both secular structures like forts and palaces, and religious structures like mosques and tombs. |
| Jainism | A major religious tradition that developed in South Asia and influenced distinctive religious art forms. |
| Khmer Cambodia | A great civilization and ruling dynasty in Southeast Asia that became a core cultural center. |
| Kofun culture | An ancient Japanese culture characterized by monumental burial practices and artistic traditions. |
| landscape painting | A genre of painting that focuses on natural scenery and outdoor environments as its primary subject matter. |
| literati painting | A genre of painting developed by educated elites in China and Japan that emphasizes landscape subjects, often combined with poetry, created by nonprofessional artists. |
| Longshan culture | A Bronze Age culture in China that preceded the Shang dynasty. |
| mandala | A circular or geometric design in Buddhist art that represents the universe and is used in spiritual practice and meditation. |
| mihrab | A niche or empty alcove in the Qibla wall of a mosque that serves as a focal point for prayer. |
| monastic complex | A distinctive Asian architectural form developed to support Buddhist religious practice. |
| mosque | An Islamic place of worship featuring a Qibla wall facing Mecca and a mihrab niche for prayer, typically decorated with calligraphy and vegetal forms rather than figural imagery. |
| narrative compositions | Elaborate artistic works that tell religious stories through sculptures, textiles, and wall paintings in Asian religious art. |
| nonfigural imagery | Visual decoration that does not depict human or animal figures, including calligraphy, geometric patterns, and vegetal forms. |
| patron | A person or institution that commissions, funds, or supports the creation of an artwork, thereby influencing its purpose and content. |
| physical setting | The geographic location, environment, and landscape that influences the creation and function of art. |
| Pure Land Buddhism | A Buddhist tradition that developed distinctive art forms, including Raigo scenes. |
| purpose | The intended function or reason for which a work of art was created, such as religious worship, commemoration, or display of power. |
| Qibla wall | The wall in a mosque that faces the direction of Mecca and the Kaaba, oriented to guide prayer. |
| Ragamala painting | An Indian painting tradition that illustrates Hindu deities and poetic texts, often depicting mythical and historical subjects. |
| Raigo scenes | Distinctive Asian art forms associated with Pure Land Buddhism that depict religious narratives and beliefs. |
| regional painting styles | Distinct artistic traditions and techniques developed in specific geographic areas, reflecting local subjects and cultural preferences. |
| religious function | The primary purpose of an artwork or architectural structure to serve spiritual or devotional practices. |
| secular art | Artwork that is not primarily religious in function, though it may contain religious imagery or themes. |
| shamanistic beliefs | Indigenous spiritual practices and beliefs that influenced Korean and other East Asian religious traditions. |
| Shang dynasty | An ancient Chinese dynasty that developed sophisticated artistic and religious traditions. |
| Shinto religion | The Japanese religious tradition based on the veneration of animistic nature spirits inhabiting the landscape. |
| Sikhism | A religious tradition that developed in South Asia within the Indic worldview. |
| stupa | A Buddhist architectural monument, typically dome-shaped, built to house relics or commemorate Buddhist teachings. |
| Yangshao culture | A Neolithic culture in China known for its early artistic and social developments. |
| Yayoi culture | An ancient Japanese culture that developed distinctive artistic and social practices. |
| Yellow River | A key geographic region in East Asia where ancient societies developed core social and religious beliefs. |
| Zen Buddhist sensibilities | Aesthetic principles influenced by Zen Buddhism that emphasize simplicity, nature, and spiritual contemplation, applied to Japanese arts like ceramics and flower arranging. |
| Zen ink painting | A distinctive Asian art form that reflects Zen Buddhist beliefs and aesthetics. |
| Zen rock garden | A distinctive Asian art form that reflects Zen Buddhist beliefs and aesthetics. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Buddhism | A major religious tradition that developed in South Asia and spread throughout East and Southeast Asia, generating distinctive religious art forms. |
| courtly patronage | Support and sponsorship of art and religion by royal courts, which facilitated the adoption and development of Buddhism and other cultural practices in Asian societies. |
| cultural transmission | The process by which cultural ideas, practices, artistic forms, media, and styles spread across regions through trade routes and contact between societies. |
| Islamic sultanates | Islamic political and religious states that exercised at least partial control over regions in India, Malaysia, and Indonesia during the second millennia CE. |
| maritime networks | Sea-based trade routes that utilized seasonal monsoon winds to connect North Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and south China, enabling cultural and commercial exchange. |
| monsoon winds | Seasonal wind patterns that facilitated maritime trade and travel across Asian waters and between Asia and Africa. |
| Silk Route | An ancient network of trade routes connecting the Greco-Roman world with China and India, facilitating cultural and artistic exchange across West, Central, and East Asia. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| art-historical argument | A reasoned explanation or interpretation about a work or group of works of art supported by evidence and analysis. |
| Asian aesthetics | The principles, values, and standards of beauty and artistic expression that are characteristic of Asian artistic traditions. |
| blue-and-white porcelain | Chinese ceramic ware decorated with blue designs on white background, highly popular internationally and imitated by ceramic centers in Iran, Turkey, and Europe. |
| Buddha of Bamiyan | A monumental Buddha sculpture in Afghanistan that exemplifies Gandharan artistic influence combining Hellenistic and Buddhist traditions. |
| colonial era | A historical period during which European influence affected Asian artistic styles, including the adoption of naturalism and perspective in Asian painting traditions. |
| cultural practices | The customs, rituals, and traditional activities of a society that are reflected in and inform artistic and architectural creation. |
| Gandharan culture | An ancient culture in Afghanistan and Pakistan that bridged West and East Asian artistic traditions, known for blending Greco-Roman and Buddhist artistic elements. |
| Han dynasty | A major Chinese dynasty during which the Silk Route was active, facilitating significant cultural and artistic exchanges. |
| Hellenistic-influenced artistic style | Artistic style showing the influence of Hellenistic (Greek) culture, characterized by Greek visual traditions and aesthetic principles. |
| Indus Valley civilization | A sophisticated Neolithic and Bronze Age civilization that thrived in Pakistan and India and contributed to the development of South Asian culture. |
| Islamic sultanates | Islamic political and religious states that exercised at least partial control over regions in India, Malaysia, and Indonesia during the second millennia CE. |
| Mongol Empire | A vast empire that facilitated the exchange of art and ideas across Asia, West Asia, and Europe during a period of free cultural exchange. |
| Mughal styles | Artistic and architectural styles developed by the Mughal Empire, adopted and adapted in Hindu court architecture, painting, and fashion. |
| naturalism | An artistic approach that aims to depict subjects as they appear in nature with accurate representation of form, light, and detail. |
| perspective | A technique for representing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface, adopted in Asian painting traditions during the colonial era through European influence. |
| Silk Route | An ancient network of trade routes connecting the Greco-Roman world with China and India, facilitating cultural and artistic exchange across West, Central, and East Asia. |
| silk weaving | The craft of weaving silk fabric, originating in China and flourishing for thousands of years as an important art form and trade commodity. |
| Tang dynasty | A major Chinese dynasty during which the Silk Route was active, facilitating significant cultural and artistic exchanges. |
| Tang slipwares | Ceramic wares produced during the Tang dynasty, created using slip decoration techniques and coveted internationally for over 1,000 years. |
| theory and interpretation | Different frameworks and perspectives used to understand and explain the meaning, context, and significance of works of art that may change over time. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| fibers | Thread-like materials derived from plants or animals used in Pacific art creation. |
| material | The physical substances used by artists to create artworks, such as stone, bronze, or paint. |
| pigments | Colored substances used to create visual effects in Pacific art. |
| precious materials | Rare and valuable materials used in Pacific art to demonstrate wealth, status, and social significance. |
| process | The methods and steps artists use to create artworks, including planning, construction, and execution techniques. |
| ritual settings | Structured ceremonial spaces designed to engage multiple senses and create specific cultural responses. |
| sea ivory | Material derived from marine sources used in Pacific art creation. |
| seashell | Hard outer covering of marine mollusks used as a material in Pacific art. |
| technique | The specific skills and methods artists employ to manipulate materials and create desired effects in their work. |
| tortoise shell | Material from tortoise carapaces used in Pacific art creation. |
| virtuosity | Exceptional skill and mastery in the use and presentation of materials in artistic creation. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ancestral representations | Art objects constructed to give form to and preserve human history and commemorate ancestors' histories and wisdom. |
| belief systems | Organized sets of religious, spiritual, or philosophical ideas that guide how a culture understands the world and conducts itself. |
| colonialism | The historical practice of establishing political and economic control over other territories and peoples, whose waning through independence movements has influenced global art production and representation. |
| commerce | Trade and economic exchange between different regions and cultures. |
| complementarity | In Pacific societies, the understanding that seemingly divergent forces or roles work together to maintain social balance and order. |
| cultural patterns | Recurring themes, practices, and characteristics that are shared and transmitted across societies and regions. |
| cultural practices | The customs, rituals, and traditional activities of a society that are reflected in and inform artistic and architectural creation. |
| duality | In Pacific social relations, the expression of balance between opposing forces or circumstances necessary for social harmony. |
| exchange of objects | The trade and sharing of material goods and cultural items between different peoples and regions. |
| external influences | Cultural, economic, and social forces from outside a region that affect local art and society. |
| feather capes | Garments worn by Hawaiian rulers that announce their status and shield them from contact. |
| intended audience | The specific group of people for whom an artwork is created, which influences the artist's choices in form, content, and presentation. |
| Lapita culture | An ancient Pacific culture whose people migrated eastward across the region beginning 4,000 years ago, characterized by distinctive pottery and patterns of settlement and exchange. |
| mana | In Pacific cultures, one's vital force, identity, or strength that is expressed and protected through rules, prohibitions, wrapping, or shielding practices; also associated with communities and leaders who represent their peoples. |
| masks | Carved or constructed face coverings worn in African performances and rituals to embody spirits, ancestors, or characters. |
| migration | The movement of peoples across geographical regions, often involving the transport of plants, animals, cultural practices, and objects. |
| missionary activity | Religious outreach and conversion efforts by missionaries that introduce new beliefs and cultural practices to indigenous populations. |
| Nan Madol | A residential and ceremonial complex of human-made islets in Micronesia constructed under the command of Saudeleur Dynasty rulers. |
| navigation | The practice and expertise of directing ocean-going vessels across the sea, including the creation of charts and devices to guide exploration and sailing. |
| ocean-going vessels | Ships and boats designed and built to travel across vast ocean distances, capable of carrying families and communities across the Pacific. |
| Papuan-speaking peoples | Indigenous populations of Papua New Guinea and surrounding regions who speak Papuan languages and migrated across a land bridge connecting Asia and Australia approximately 30,000 years ago. |
| patron | A person or institution that commissions, funds, or supports the creation of an artwork, thereby influencing its purpose and content. |
| physical setting | The geographic location, environment, and landscape that influences the creation and function of art. |
| reciprocity | A cultural value in Andean societies emphasizing mutual exchange and interdependence between individuals and communities. |
| ritual dress | Clothing worn in ceremonial contexts that encase and shield the focus of power from human interaction. |
| sacred ceremonial spaces | Designated spaces created by Pacific societies that announce and contain their legitimacy, power, and life force. |
| sheathing | A protective covering practice in Pacific arts used to prevent human access to sacred objects and shield the focus of power. |
| tapu | Rules and prohibitions in Pacific cultures that protect mana and limit access to sacred objects and spaces. |
| wrapping | A protective practice in Pacific arts used to prevent human access to sacred objects and shield the focus of power. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| art history | The academic discipline that studies works of art, their creation, context, and significance across time and cultures. |
| costume | Clothing or garments worn during performance or ritual, often carrying symbolic meaning through their creation, use, and performance in Pacific art traditions. |
| cultural heroes | Legendary or mythological figures central to a culture's identity and values, often represented in Pacific art to evoke and reaffirm shared cultural memory. |
| founding ancestors | Revered ancestral figures believed to have established a culture or community, often depicted in Pacific art to maintain cultural continuity and shared values. |
| installation | A large-scale, site-specific work of art that may involve performance or ritual acts where meaning is created through the act of creation or performance rather than the physical object alone. |
| mask | A covering worn on the face, often used in Pacific art as a ritual or performance object whose meaning is created through its use and performance rather than the object itself. |
| primordial forms | Ancient or archetypal representations such as cultural heroes, founding ancestors, or totemic animals that evoke shared cultural memory and reaffirm important truths. |
| scholarship | Academic research and study that informs and shapes the understanding and interpretation of art and art history. |
| theory and interpretation | Different frameworks and perspectives used to understand and explain the meaning, context, and significance of works of art that may change over time. |
| totemic animals | Animals that hold spiritual or symbolic significance for a culture and serve as emblems of identity, kinship, or spiritual connection in Pacific art traditions. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| deconstructionist theory | A critical theory that challenges traditional interpretations by breaking down and questioning underlying assumptions in texts, culture, and history. |
| digital divide | The gap between those with access to digital technology and those without access. |
| digital technology | Electronic tools and systems used to create, distribute, and access art and information. |
| disposable material cultures | Contemporary cultural practices emphasizing temporary, consumable, or replaceable materials in art and society. |
| ephemeral digital works | Temporary or short-lived artworks created using digital technology that may not be permanently preserved. |
| feminist theory | A critical approach that examines how gender, particularly the exclusion and marginalization of women, shapes art history and cultural perspectives. |
| graffiti | Visual art created by applying paint or markers to public surfaces, often challenging traditional definitions of art. |
| natural materials | Art materials derived from nature, such as wood, stone, clay, or fiber, traditionally used in artistic practice. |
| online museums and galleries | Digital platforms that present and display artworks and collections on the internet. |
| poststructuralist theory | A critical theory that questions fixed meanings and challenges the idea that there is a single, universal way to interpret culture and history. |
| queer theory | A critical framework that challenges normative assumptions about sexuality, gender, and identity in culture and art history. |
| traditional skills | Established artistic techniques and methods passed down through art historical practice. |
| video-captured performances | Artistic performances that are recorded and documented through video media. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| appropriation | An artistic technique in which artists incorporate existing objects, images, or cultural materials into new works to recontextualize or revalue them. |
| artistic intent | The artist's purpose or goal in creating a work, which may include exploring existential questions, making sociopolitical critiques, or reflecting on other themes. |
| biennials | Major international art exhibitions held every two years that present and evaluate contemporary art. |
| computer-aided design | The use of digital technology and software to create architectural and artistic designs, enabling innovative and visionary forms. |
| contemporary art museums | Institutions dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting art from the present era. |
| existential investigations | Artistic explorations of fundamental questions about human existence, meaning, and the nature of being. |
| gallery | Spaces where artworks are displayed and sold, serving as venues for the presentation and evaluation of art. |
| intended audience | The specific group of people for whom an artwork is created, which influences the artist's choices in form, content, and presentation. |
| mash-ups | Artworks created by combining or blending elements from different sources, styles, or cultural contexts to create new meanings. |
| patron | A person or institution that commissions, funds, or supports the creation of an artwork, thereby influencing its purpose and content. |
| purpose | The intended function or reason for which a work of art was created, such as religious worship, commemoration, or display of power. |
| sociopolitical critiques | Artistic commentary that examines and challenges social and political systems, structures, or issues. |
| triennials | Major international art exhibitions held every three years that present and evaluate contemporary art. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| art-historical argument | A reasoned explanation or interpretation about a work or group of works of art supported by evidence and analysis. |
| intended meanings | The meanings and messages that an artist or artwork creator sought to communicate through their work. |
| interpretations of art | Different understandings and explanations of the meaning, significance, and context of works of art. |
| theories of art | Frameworks and conceptual approaches used to understand, interpret, and analyze works of art and artistic practices. |
| visual analysis | The systematic examination and interpretation of a work of art's formal elements, such as color, composition, form, and technique, to understand its meaning and significance. |
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