Arts of the Americas

  • Horseshoe arch - common in Spain at the time (Great Mosque of Cordoba)

  • Mihrab - a small room beyond the arch (used to physically direct prayer)

  • Calligraphy - decorative writing used as an art form

  • Muqarnas - stacked cell shapes made of stucco

  • Earthwork - an artwork using natural materials such as earth or rock

  • Pueblo - great house (Pueblo Bonito)

  • Kiva - round spaces partially underground for gathering men in ceremony

Dome of the Rock

  • Religious and political symbolism: a statement of Islamic authority on a sacred site

  • Artistic and architectural innovation: central-plan design, golden dome, and intricate, non-figurative ornamentation

  • Scriptural emphasis: Qur’anic inscriptions highlighting Islamic beliefs.

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Great Mosque of Cordoba

  • Cultural power: asserting Umayyad authority through its construction on a former Christian site and use of spolia

  • Artistic innovation: blending Islamic, Byzantine, and Spanish elements like horseshoe arches, ribbed ceilings, and intricate mosaics

  • Spiritual symbolism: with features like the mihrab and Qur’anic inscriptions emphasizing divine guidance and reflection.

Page from the Qur'an

  • Religious significance: sacred text and focus on oral recitation

  • Artistic excellence: calligraphy and gold leaf decoration

  • Design harmony: structured layout blending scripture and art

Sultan Muhammad, The "Court of Gayumars"

  • Power and prestige: showcasing Shah Tahmasp’s authority and cultural sophistication

  • Cultural identity: depicting Iran’s legendary ruler Gayumars and a harmonious kingdom from the Shahnama

  • Artistic innovation: blending Persian and Chinese influences with intricate details and vibrant, gold-accented designs.

Great Serpent Mound

  • Monumental Construction: The Great Serpent Mound's massive scale and intricate design demonstrate exceptional engineering and planning skills by its creators.

  • Astronomical Alignment: Possible connections to celestial events, such as Halley’s Comet, indicate a sophisticated understanding of astronomy.

  • Cultural Importance: The serpent shape likely served a ceremonial purpose, symbolizing themes like fertility and renewal common in many cultures.

Mimbres Bowl with Scorpions

  • Cultural Practices: Found in burials, the bowl was intentionally broken to "kill" it, symbolizing the release of the spirit and its role in funerary rituals.

  • Nature and Symbolism: The depiction of a specific scorpion reflects the Mimbres culture's connection to nature and animals, with rotational symmetry emphasizing balance and harmony.

  • Artistic Craftsmanship: Handmade by women, the earthenware showcases abstract ornamentation, careful geometric design, and a unique aesthetic tied to the Mimbres’ artistic traditions.

Pueblo Bonito

  • Advanced Architecture: Pueblo Bonito, a multi-story Great House, showcased the Ancestral Puebloans' architectural skill and communal living design.

  • Sacred Spaces: The kivas symbolized spiritual connection, representing human emergence, fertility, and ties to the earth.

  • Cultural and Historical Significance: Once a possible pilgrimage site, it was later abandoned, likely due to environmental or social challenges.

Mantle with Double Fish Pattern

  • Skilled Craftsmanship: The mantle, made from cotton and camelid fibers, reflects the intricate weaving and embroidery skills of ancient Peruvian women.

  • Symbolism and Transformation: Abstract fish and shark designs, including a transforming shark, suggest spiritual or transformative significance.

  • Ritual and Status: Used in high-status burials, the textile's preservation highlights its importance in funerary practices and cultural ceremonies.

Moche Portrait Vessel

  • Naturalism and individual representation: depicting real people with naturalistic features

  • Cultural significance and status: with face paint, headgear, and earspools symbolizing high rank

  • Everyday use: found in ordinary homes, reflecting their broader cultural importance