From deep in the jungles of Mesoamerica to the mound builders of North America, this presentation showcases the art of the Americas. It covers ancient American art, depicting architecture, ceremonial objects, art, and sculpture that span...

Students explore the relationship between geometry and ancient American art. They see how to recognize geometric properties in specific works and explain how these properties contribute to their meaning and artistic merit.

Study three of the basic principles of design: l) designs should create a rhythmic pattern made up of related shapes, 2) colors should be repeated so as to not force the eye to remain with a single part of the composition, and 3) a...

Take your art class back centuries to the art of metal tooling. This is an art technique also referred to as embossing, or repajado in Mexico and South America. This is a fun project to introduce a new technique and new materials. This...

First graders listen to music as the impetus to learn about the concept of Japanese harmony as it is understood in Japanese culture. They use the New Seeker's song, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," to compare America and Japan...

Students explore the relationship between nature and architecture. In this cross curriculum history, culture, and architecture lesson plan, students observe and discuss structures visible in nature. Students view websites in which Native...

What are the origins of el Dia de los Muertos, and how is this tradition observed in contemporary celebrations? With a variety of lesson plans and suggested hands-on activities, here is an excellent resource to reference as you...

Help scholars understand the history, geography, traditions, and art of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Find background information for your reference as well as a detailed cross-curricular lesson plan. Learners compare...

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Create your own festive Mardi Gras masks with a lesson that provides background information on the celebration and instructions about constructing the masks.

Students discuss the concept of symbolism in China and America and create their own "dragon boats" for evaluation and display. This Art lesson can be easily integrated into an elementary unit on China.

Third graders explain the difference between Petroglyphs and Pictographs from Ancient Native American peoples. They create symbols that are representative of a story about their world.

Fifth graders listen to lectures on the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans. They construct a mask base and then decorate it in thirds with symbols meaningful to each of the three cultures being studied.

Third graders consider the differences between pictographs and petroglyphs. They create symbols from a story about their worlds. They make pottery art.

Learn about the art of the ancient Maya of central America and the Yucatan penincula in this overview and image gallery with individual artwork descriptions.

An award winning site that uncovers the lost Incan civilization. Features include history, administration, technology, arts, and maps. A sophisticated account of the Incas that is well worth a visit.

Mayan art is mixed in with general information in this two-page article.

The Krannert Art Museum provides a great collection of artwork from all over the world. Click on "collections" to access images of African, Egyptian, America-Pre-Columbian, USA, Ancient Gandhara, China, India, Japan, Thailand, Greece,...

The Paracas achievements in ceramic and textile arts are among the most outstanding in the ancient Americas. View pictures and read descriptions of Paracas art and culture.

Peru's cultural heritage is extensive and diverse, including important sites and artifacts from the ancient civilizations of the Moche and Nazca. However, these sites are being threatened by vandalism, invasion, looting, and illicit...