All Flashcards
Define 'life force' in Indigenous art.
The energy or power believed to be contained within objects and transferred through active participation.
What is 'active participation' in Indigenous art?
The engagement of the audience through rituals, ceremonies, or daily use, making them integral to the artwork's function.
Define 'Templo Mayor'.
The main temple of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, used for important rituals, including human sacrifice.
What is a 'stela'?
An upright stone slab or pillar, often carved with inscriptions or reliefs, used to commemorate rulers or events.
Define 'patron' in the context of Indigenous art.
Individuals or groups (e.g., rulers, families) who commission artworks, often to demonstrate power, honor deities, or commemorate ancestors.
What is 'bloodletting'?
A ritualistic practice, common in Mayan culture, involving the sacrifice of blood to honor the gods.
Compare the roles of temples in Mesoamerica and the Andes.
Both served as ritual spaces, but Mesoamerican temples like the Templo Mayor were often sites of human sacrifice, while Andean sites like Chavín de Huántar were pilgrimage destinations.
Compare Mayan and Aztec patronage of art.
Both cultures saw rulers as primary patrons, but the Aztecs focused on monumental displays of power, while the Mayans emphasized lineage and historical records in their art.
Compare the art of the Chavín and Inca cultures.
Chavín art is characterized by stylized animals and supernatural beings, while Inca art is known for its sophisticated stonework and integration with the natural landscape.
Compare the intended audiences of public and private rituals.
Public rituals were intended for the community, while private rituals in temples were restricted to priests and nobles.
Compare the artistic focus of the Mayans and the Aztecs.
Mayan art focused on hieroglyphic writing and intricate carvings, while Aztec art emphasized monumental architecture and displays of power.
How does the Templo Mayor reflect Aztec religious traditions?
It exemplifies the Aztec practice of human sacrifice and the worship of deities through monumental architecture.
How do Mayan stelae relate to the tradition of ancestor veneration?
They served as a means of honoring and commemorating ancestors, preserving family lineage and cultural heritage.
How does Chavín art reflect the tradition of shamanism?
It incorporates stylized animals and supernatural beings, reflecting the shamanistic beliefs and connections to the spiritual world.
How does Inca stonework relate to their tradition of respecting the natural world?
The integration of stonework with the landscape demonstrates the Inca's reverence for nature and their ability to harmonize with it.
How does bloodletting relate to Mayan religious traditions?
Bloodletting was a ritualistic practice to honor the gods and maintain cosmic balance, integral to Mayan religious beliefs.
How does the use of wearable art relate to ritual traditions?
Wearable art, like masks and headdresses, allowed participants to embody deities or spirits, actively engaging in ritual traditions.