Mesoamerican cultures began producing ceramics in the form of small, handmade figurines by 2500 B.C.E. Small, handmade anthropomorphic figures were very common in ancient cultures, but their use was concentrated during the Pre-Classic/Formative period (1500 B.C.E.-250 C.E.), as after that time, most figurines were made using molds. Although some male figures are represented … [Read more...] about Mesoamerican Ceramic Figurines: Researched by Allison Robbins and Sammie Hernandez
Native American stone points from the Ozarks region are often comparable to stone points in Mesoamerica, as although the type of stone may differ, similar points were often developed for similar purposes in different parts of the world. Comparison illustrates that the Ozarks’ Jack Reef Pentagonal Point, the Dickson Contacting Stem Point, … [Read more...] about Ozarks vs. Mesoamerican Projectile Points: Researched by Brenna Lightsey
Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures were known for recording their histories, their religious stories, their calendar, and even their tribute listings as codices, which in the Mesoamerican world took the form of screenfold books. While the Maya developed a complex system of hieroglyphic writing, other Mesoamerican cultures developed systems of recording information … [Read more...] about Codex Images of Aztec Deities: Researched by Lauren Fitzpatrick
The production of Mesoamerican textiles dates back to about 1000 B.C.E., as shown by textile impressions in ancient pottery sherds. Although actual ancient samples of textiles have not survived the tropical climate of Mesoamerica, Pre-Columbian sculptural depictions and paintings of figures wearing woven costume indicate that textiles were decorative, highly valued, … [Read more...] about Contemporary Mesoamerican Textiles: Researched by Clara Komrosky-Licata
Papel picado banners have a long history in indigenous Mesoamerican culture. Mesoamerican cultures such as the Otomi and the Aztec traditionally made paper from the inner bark of maguey, fig, or mulberry trees. Religious practitioners cut the paper into designs for use in rituals to combat disease, misfortune, and dangerous spirits, as well as in rituals to ask for … [Read more...] about Papel Picado Banners: Researched by Nichapat Kongpaisarnnatee, Michelle Eveker, and Celeste Hanford