Angyal- The Culture of Pre-Columbian Times
Introduction
The theme I chose was based around Pre-Columbian art and the objects that best represented that era during 13,000 BCE up to Christopher Columbus' arrival. When looking deeper into what Pre-Columbia was, it centered around the people of the Caribbean, North, South, and Central Americas between the 15th and 16th centuries. During the time before the landing of Christopher Columbus, the natives of the land had a deep culture when it came to art. Since Pre-Columbian cultures didn't have a writing system, they relied on art to express their views on religion, politics, and anything else going on. Different types of pottery defined the culture of Pre-Columbia, and it helps give the viewer on what life was like during those times.
Corn Goddess
People of Central America believed in different gods and goddesses that related to harvest. The corn goddess represented fertility as well. However, the Maya believed in basing their calendar off of the harvest. Since religion was a huge part of Pre-Columbian culture, the different corn goddesses would help make sure each yearly harvest was successful. The corn goddess statue shown is a stone-like figure, with the figure having a large nose and many decorations around her.
Wind God
Bouncing off of how different gods and goddesses symbolized crops, there were also deities who represented weather patterns. For instance, the wind god Ehecatl falls into this category. Not only was he a Mesoamerican god of winds, but also brought rain. The name Ehecatl translates to "wind", and is notoriously regarded as a manifestation to the serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Ehecatl is also regarded as the patron god of merchants as was known for his great speed.Conch Shell
Conch shells were regarded as an instrument during Pre-Columbian times. However, conch shells were used in other parts of the world such as Rome or was even used by the Polynesians to navigate the sea. Nevertheless, conch shells originated back to late BCE as well as times in the 1300's. In villages like Pueblo Chaco, conch shells were used as a signal for the townspeople whenever something big happens. Additionally, the noise from these conch shells were so powerful that they could be heard from a mile and a half away.
Seated Woman
Women played a crucial role in the culture of Pre-Columbia, especially in places like Mesoamerica. Men were the dominant figure, and any new-born who was a girl was encouraged from a young age to stay home and to look after the house. However, just like boys, girls also attended school, and if they didn't attend school, they would be taught to do chores from ages between 4-12 years old. However, as girls grew up, they were taught to walk and speak with dignity. Women were also taught to conduct rituals and were taught to help prepare offerings for the gods. However, a large portion of women stayed home and took care of all the cleaning, cooking, and looking out for the children. Virginity was also important to the culture, because if she lost it before marriage, she would have a harder time being accepted by a man. In this case, the parents made sure daughters were kept safe from doing anything that would put them at risk.
Sources
Encyclopedia , Myths. “Myths Encyclopedia.” Encyclopedia of Myths, Advameg, 2017, www.mythencyclopedia.com/Ca-Cr/Corn.html.
Guglielmi, Giorgia. “This Conch Shell Trumpet Would Be Heard Far and Wide in the Ancient World.” Science | AAAS, American Association for the Advancement of Science , 26 July 2017, www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/07/conch-shell-trumpet-would-be-heard-far-and-wide-ancient-world.
Cartwright, Mark. “Ehecatl.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited, 24 Mar. 2017, www.ancient.eu/Ehecatl/.
Saadia, Zoe. “Women in Mesoamerican Societies .” Pre-Columbian Americas , Zoe Saadia, 28 Feb. 2013, www.zoesaadia.com/women-in-mesoamerican-societies/.
Art, Philadelphia Museum of. “Corn-Goddess.” Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950, www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/51253.html?mulR=71496672%7C14.
Art, Philadelphia Museum of. “Conch Shell.” Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950, www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/51254.html?mulR=1463596156%7C19.
Art, Philadelphia Museum of. “Wind God (Ehécatl).” Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950, www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/220223.html?mulR=1883019002%7C16.
Art, Philadelphia Museum of. “Seated Woman.” Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950, www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/51285.html?mulR=773449734%7C2.
Cartwright, Mark. “Ehecatl.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited, 24 Mar. 2017, www.ancient.eu/Ehecatl/.
Saadia, Zoe. “Women in Mesoamerican Societies .” Pre-Columbian Americas , Zoe Saadia, 28 Feb. 2013, www.zoesaadia.com/women-in-mesoamerican-societies/.
Art, Philadelphia Museum of. “Corn-Goddess.” Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950, www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/51253.html?mulR=71496672%7C14.
Art, Philadelphia Museum of. “Conch Shell.” Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950, www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/51254.html?mulR=1463596156%7C19.
Art, Philadelphia Museum of. “Wind God (Ehécatl).” Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950, www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/220223.html?mulR=1883019002%7C16.
Art, Philadelphia Museum of. “Seated Woman.” Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1950, www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/51285.html?mulR=773449734%7C2.
