African+and+Meso-American+Art

[|untitled.doc] Nancy Kammerer Art of Meso-America and Africa, Pre-Columbian Standing Figure, 9th–10th century Mexico; Maya Limestone; H. 84 1/2 in. (214.16 cm) Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1966 (66.181) This sculpture is made of limestone and really exhibits the militaristic qualities of the Mayan culture. The fact that the figure is standing and is of such a large scale make is imposing and hostile. The figure looks to be wearing a helmet and loincloth, fighting attire, and a symbolic knot is detailed on the chest. This symbol could be a good luck charm or protector of the man. The figure is also carrying a club and he is believed to at one time had a shield in his left hand, which is broken off. This style of statues is more harsh and war like than earlier statues from this region. This is most likely because of the military interactions between the Mayans and the Toltecs and other groups which led to a more militaristic society. Processional Cross, 14th–15th century, before 1400 (?) Ethiopia, Lalibela Brass (cast); H. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm) Purchase, Elaine Rosenberg Gift and funds from various donors, 1998 (1998.37)        This brass cross from Ethiopia is one of few. Ethiopia unlike many other African societies of the time, was mostly Christian but Islamic leaders from other kingdoms and Islamic traders destroyed many Christian works of art. The king of Aksum, a huge trading city, made Christianity the court religion in the fourth century AD. Crosses like this were given to important monasteries. This cross is brass, one of the first alloys, which shows Africa’s superior knowledge of metal metallurgy. This piece is different from that of statue from the Mayans because although African kingdoms were militaristic similarly to the Mayan. They also had the conflicts and influences from several religions that greatly shaped their art and culture.