Indigenous Art and Architecture Notes Review

These flashcards cover key concepts, facts, and artistic elements from Indigenous Americas and African art as noted in the lecture.

What is the time period of Chavín de Huántar in Peru?

900–200 BCE.

What is the primary function of the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings?

Community/ritual habitation with defensive siting.

What is significant about the Yaxchilán structure's lintel reliefs?

They depict narrative scenes such as Lady Xoc's bloodletting.

What does the Great Serpent Mound represent?

A ritual/ceremonial landscape; not a burial mound.

What is the main function of Templo Mayor?

It staged state ideology and sacrificial practices.

What materials were used in the Ruler's feather headdress?

Quetzal and cotinga feathers, and gold.

What architectural feature is significant in the city of Cusco?

Ashlar masonry.

What is the cultural context of the Maize cobs created by the Inka?

They symbolize agricultural abundance and imperial power.

What elements characterize Machu Picchu's design?

Terracing, ashlar stone construction, and sightlines.

What is the encoded significance of the All-T’oqapu Tunic?

It represents emblems of ethnic and provincial units, reflecting the emperor's authority.

What types of materials compose the Bandolier bag?

Beadwork on leather.

What type of transformation does the Kwakwaka’wakw Transformation mask represent?

Animal-human transformation as part of winter ceremonial.

What cultural practice is represented in the Painted elk hide associated with the Sun Dance?

Cultural persistence under suppression.

What technique is used in the black-on-black ceramic vessel by Maria Martínez and Julian?

Reduction firing causing the matte-on-shiny black designs.

What architectural style is exemplified by the Conical Tower and Circular Wall of Great Zimbabwe?

Coursed granite and dry masonry.

What does the Sika dwa kofi symbolize in Asante culture?

The national soul (sunsum) of Asante.

What is the primary purpose of the Ndop statue of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul?

To safeguard the king’s spirit/legacy.

What is the content purpose of the Nkisi n’kondi power figure?

It serves for dispute resolution, protection, and healing.

What is the performative role of the Chokwe Female (Pwo) mask?

It is danced by men to honor ancestral ideals of female beauty.

What is the primary significance of the Bundu/Sowei mask in Mende culture?

It represents the ideal female beauty and morality, used in girls' initiation.

What function does the Lukasa memory board serve?

It is a mnemonic device used for recalling dynastic history.

What does the Aka mask symbolize in Bamileke culture?

Wealth and power, associated with the Fon's patronage.

What dual purpose does the Veranda post of the enthroned king serve?

It acts as both architectural support and royal propaganda.