5.1 Interactions Within and Across Cultures in Indigenous American Art

Indigenous American art, one of the oldest artistic traditions, is diverse and encompasses a wide range of styles, mediums, and cultural influences. Within Indigenous American cultures, art is often deeply connected to spiritual beliefs and practices, and may serve a variety of ceremonial and practical purposes. It is also often used to commemorate important events and to express cultural values and identity. Physical environment also influenced the types of art created. Indigenous art can be divided into three major regions: Mesoamerica (includes the Olmec, Mayas, and Aztecs), the Central Andes, and Native North America.

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College Board Essential Knowledge

Below are some details from the AP Art History CED about each major region. 

• "General cultural similarities of ancient Mesoamerica include similar calendars, pyramidal stepped structures, sites and buildings oriented in relation to sacred mountains and celestial phenomena, and highly valued green materials, such as jadeite and quetzal feathers" (pg. 163).
• "Mesoamerican sculptural and two-dimensional art tended toward the figural, particularly in glorification of specific rulers...[and]...mythical events were also depicted..." (pg. 163).
• "General cultural similarities across the Andes included an emphasis on surviving and interacting with the challenging environments, reciprocity and cyclicality (rather than individualism), and reverence for the animal and plant worlds as part of the practice of shamanistic religion" (pg. 163).
• "[The] environment...[played]...a central role in [Andean] art, influencing the materials (especially the prominence of camelid fiber and cotton textiles), political systems (coastal diversity, highland impulses toward unification), and overall values (reciprocity, asymmetrical dualism, and travel across long distances)" (pg. 164).
• "The various Native American groups may be seen to share larger ideas of harmony with nature, oneness with animals, respect for elders, community cohesion, dream guidance, shamanic leadership, and participation in large rituals (such as potlatches and sun dances)" (pg. 165).

Interactions Across Cultures

Additionally, Indigenous American art is often influenced by interactions and exchanges with other cultures, such as European colonizers and later American settlers. This can be seen in the incorporation of new materials and techniques, as well as the adaptation of traditional motifs and imagery to new forms. Some imported materials have also been integrated.

Colonialism, however, also resulted in the forced removal of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands. Furthermore, genocide practiced by the European invaders, and the diseases they brought also reduced Native populations. Despite these challenges, Indigenous American art continues to flourish and evolve, reflecting the resilience and creativity of Indigenous communities.