Choose and visit the website for one of the following museum exhibitions/collections:
- Arts of the Americas (not American Art) (permanent) Dallas Museum of Art
- Classical (ancient Mediterranean) art collection (permanent) Dallas Museum of Art
- Art of the Ancient Americas (permanent) Kimbell Museum (Fort Worth)
- Antiquities (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, etc.) collection (permanent) Kimbell Museum
It must be one of these two museums and must be one of the collections referenced above.
Choose three different artifacts to analyze, representing the same culture group. Do not choose three of the same type of items (e.g., weapons, pots, garments, etc.); pick different kinds of things. These must be old/ancient items, recovered by archaeologists. This excludes art works painted by European or non-European artists, as well as sculptures produced by these or other modern artists. The products of these artists are relatively old, BUT are not considered ARTIFACTS, and none were recovered by archaeologists. In other words, do not select a Rembrandt, Diego Rivera, Monet, or other international painting or artwork (e.g., Japanese teacup) simply because it is being displayed at the museum you selected. These artists produced beautiful and impressive works of art, BUT they are not archaeological artifacts.
As you read the sections in the Haviland et al. book on archaeology, pay attention to what is described, and how it is described. Keep this in mind when writing your text.
After you select a museum, begin by looking only at the items themselves, without reading any of the accompanying descriptions (except to check that they are from the same culture group). Can you tell what their purpose was? What are they made of? Can you determine anything at all about the culture that created them just from your observation of each item?
Details are very important. You should provide as detailed as possible description of the objects. For example, rather than indicate it is colorful, describe the specific colors you observe; or if you note a pattern of markings, describe the patterns that you see, do not limit yourself to saying it has lines. What is the estimated size and or weight of the object? If it has human representations, are the figures adults or children, males or females, etc. In what direction are the lines or markings; if it has circles, are the circles concentric, and how many circles; if humans are represented, are they at the same horizontal level; in which direction are the faces facing; are humans wearing any ornaments; are they wearing footwear; earrings?; etcetera. Details matter. Use the zoom function in online exhibits and expand the image to see the object more closely, and rotate the object if the site allows you to do this. Doing this will help you see more details.
At the bottom of each description, INCLUDE the image you described, BUT the image should not take up more than half-of-a-page. Below the image include the specific URL for the object you selected. Do not simply include the URL for the museum. Again, DETAILS matter---help the reader see what you see. An URL starts with http (or) …Then, read the item description and other interpretive materials that the museum has available. Example, age of object. What more did you learn? How did archaeologists and other scholars arrive at their conclusions about these artifacts (or does it even tell you this)? Do you think there are other interpretations possible?
Analysis of Artifacts from the Art of the Ancient Americas Collection at the Kimbell Art Museum
For this analysis, I have selected three distinct artifacts from the Art of the Ancient Americas collection at the Kimbell Art Museum, focusing on the Pre-Columbian cultures of ancient Mesoamerica. The artifacts chosen represent different types of items that reveal various aspects of the culture that created them.
Artifact 1: Olmec Colossal Head
Description
The Olmec colossal head is a monumental stone sculpture representing a human face. This particular head is approximately 9 feet tall and weighs several tons, carved from basalt. The face is characterized by its flat nose, thick lips, and large, almond-shaped eyes. The expression is stern, and the head features a prominent forehead. The use of naturalistic features suggests a high level of skill in sculpting.
Distinctive details include:
- Hair: The head is adorned with a helmet-like hairstyle that may have been a symbol of authority or status.
- Markings: There are subtle lines carved around the eyes and mouth, enhancing the facial features.
- Orientation: The head faces forward, suggesting a sense of direct engagement with the viewer.
From observation, the colossal head likely served a ceremonial or political purpose, representing a ruler or deity within Olmec society.
Olmec Colossal Head
View Artifact https://www.kimbellart.org/collection/art-ancient-americas/olmec-colossal-head
Additional Insights
According to museum descriptions, this colossal head dates back to around 900-400 BCE. Archaeologists believe these heads were created to commemorate rulers or significant figures. The size and detail indicate the importance of leadership and possibly divine connections in Olmec culture.
Artifact 2: Maya Ceremonial Vessel
Description
The Maya ceremonial vessel is made of clay and stands about 12 inches tall. It is intricately painted with vibrant colors, primarily red, black, and cream. The exterior features detailed scenes depicting ritualistic activities or deities, framed by geometric patterns that encircle the vessel.
Key details include:
- Imagery: The vessel shows figures engaged in what appears to be a dance or ritual, with elongated bodies and exaggerated facial features.
- Handle: The vessel has an ornate handle shaped like a jaguar, symbolizing power and strength.
- Surface: The surface is smooth but has small indentations that suggest it was hand-crafted.
This vessel likely served as a container for ceremonial liquids, such as offerings or beverages used in rituals.
Maya Ceremonial Vessel
View Artifact https://www.kimbellart.org/collection/art-ancient-americas/maya-ceremonial-vessel
Additional Insights
The museum notes that this vessel dates back to 600-900 CE. Scholars believe it played a significant role in Maya religious practices, showcasing their artistic abilities and cultural beliefs. The imagery provides insight into Maya cosmology and their connection to the spiritual world.
Artifact 3: Inca Textiles
Description
The Inca textile is a woven piece made from cotton and wool, measuring approximately 4 feet by 2 feet. It features a vibrant color palette that includes deep reds, yellows, greens, and blues. The textile displays intricate geometric patterns and stylized motifs, including llamas and other animals symbolic of Inca culture.
Key details include:
- Patterns: The geometric designs are arranged in a repeating manner, with triangles and zigzags forming borders around central figures.
- Fringe: The edges of the textile are finished with colorful fringe, adding texture and visual interest.
- Imagery: Stylized llamas appear prominently, indicating their significance as pack animals in the Inca economy.
This textile likely served both functional and ceremonial purposes, reflecting the artistry and social hierarchy of Inca society.
Inca Textile
View Artifact https://www.kimbellart.org/collection/art-ancient-americas/inca-textile
Additional Insights
As indicated by the museum, this textile dates to around 1400-1500 CE. Archaeologists have determined that textiles were highly valued in Inca culture, serving as symbols of status and wealth. The craftsmanship demonstrates advanced weaving techniques and reflects the cultural significance of textiles in their society.
Conclusion
The analysis of these three artifacts—the Olmec colossal head, Maya ceremonial vessel, and Inca textile—reveals rich insights into the respective cultures from which they originated. From monumental sculpture to elaborate textiles, each item reflects unique artistic styles, societal values, and cultural practices. Historical context informs our understanding of these artifacts, revealing how they functioned within their societies and what they tell us about human experiences across different Mesoamerican cultures.
Through careful observation and engagement with museum resources, one can appreciate not only the beauty of these artifacts but also their profound cultural significance.