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500 BCE
Nose Ornament, Chavin de Huantar (500-200 B.C.E.)
This nose ornament is gold jewelry found in the highlands of Northern Peru. The serpents seen on the nose are a display of power and wealth. It also demonstrates loyalty to the Chavin religion. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/indigenous-americas/a/chavin-de-huantar1 -
450
Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings (450-1300)
The Ancestral Puebloan peoples built structures into the side of sandstone cliffs in between Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Most of these were for homes, while others served as storage space or for religious activity. The location of these structures shielded inhabitants from nature's harshness. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/indigenous-americas/a/mesa-verde-cliff-dwellings -
1440
Maize Cobs (1440-1533)
This corncob sculpture was created by Inka craftsmen with gold and silver alloy. This sculpture is an example of naturalistic art in Inka culture, which usually tends to more abstract art. The chosen subject highlights the importance of maize to the life of South Americans. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/indigenous-americas/a/maize-cobs -
1470
Olmec Mask (1470)
These ritual masks, made out of jadeite, were found by the Aztecs. The Olmec mask had already existed for more than a thousand years before the Aztecs, yet the Aztecs were able to appreciate its value. They were likely originally some form of religious tribute. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/indigenous-americas/a/templo-mayor-at-tenochtitlan-the-coyolxauhqui-stone-and-an-olmec-mask -
Bandolier Bag (1850)
Likely the handiwork of a Lenape artist, these bags carried ammunition for European soldiers. Their different styles can be attributed to personal preference as well as cultural diffusion. Beads are embroidered delicately across the bags in a display of showmanship. The glass beads are also a reminder of trade between Europeans (who created them) and natives. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/indigenous-americas/a/bandolier-bag
