Synopses & Reviews
This landmark publication catalogues the Art Institute of Chicagoandrsquo;s outstanding collection of Indian art of the Americas, one of the foremost of its kind in the United States. Showcasing a host of previously unpublished objects dating from the Precolumbian era to the 20th century, the book marks the first time these holdings have been comprehensively documented. Richard Townsend weaves an overarching narrative that ranges from the Midwestern United States to the Yucatan Peninsula to the heart of South America. While exploring artistsandrsquo; myriad economic, historical, linguistic, and social backgrounds, he demonstrates that they shared both a deep, underlying cosmological view and the desire to secure their communitiesandrsquo; prosperity by affirming connections to the sacredand#160;forces of the natural world. The critical essays focus on topics that bridge traditions across North, Central, and South America, including materials, methods of manufacture, the diversity of stylistic features, and the iconography and functions of various objects. Gorgeously illustrated in color with more than 400 vibrant images, this handsome catalogue serves as the definitive survey of an unparalleled collection.
Synopsis
Along the Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers, the archaeological remains of earthen pyramids, plazas, large communities, and works of art and artifacts testify to Native American civilizations that thrived there between 3000 B.C. and A.D. 1500. This fascinating book presents exciting new information on the art and cultures of these ancient peoples and features hundreds of gorgeous photographs of important artworks, artifacts, and ritual objects excavated from Amerindian archaeological sites.
Drawing on excavation findings and extensive research, the contributors to the book document a succession of distinct ancient populations in the pre-Columbian world of the American Midwest and Southeast. A team of interdisciplinary scholars examines the connections between archaeological remains of different regions and the themes, forms, and rituals that continue in specific tribes of today. The book also includes the personal reflections of contemporary Native Americans who discuss their perspectives on the significance of the fascinating and beautiful prehistoric artifacts as well as their own cultural practices today.
Synopsis
Along the Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers, the archaeological remains of earthen pyramids, plazas, large communities, and works of art and artifacts testify to Native American civilizations that thrived there between 3000 B.C. and A.D. 1500. This fascinating book presents exciting new information on the art and cultures of these ancient peoples and features hundreds of gorgeous photographs of important artworks, artifacts, and ritual objects excavated from Amerindian archaeological sites.
Drawing on excavation findings and extensive research, the contributors to the book document a succession of distinct ancient populations in the pre-Columbian world of the American Midwest and Southeast. A team of interdisciplinary scholars examines the connections between archaeological remains of different regions and the themes, forms, and rituals that continue in specific tribes of today. The book also includes the personal reflections of contemporary Native Americans who discuss their perspectives on the significance of the fascinating and beautiful prehistoric artifacts as well as their own cultural practices today.
Synopsis
A stunning survey of the indigenous art, architecture, and spiritual beliefs of the Americas, from the Precolumbian era to the 20th century
Synopsis
This definitive survey of the indigenous art, architecture, landscape, and spiritual beliefs of the Americasandmdash;from the Precolumbian era to the 20th centuryandmdash;also serves as the first comprehensive catalogue of the Art Institute of Chicagoandrsquo;s outstanding collection. and#160;
About the Author
Richard Townsend is chair of African and Amerindian art and Elizabeth Pope is curatorial research assistant, Department of African and Amerindian Art, both at the Art Institute of Chicago.