From Turtle Island to Abya Yala: Art of the Indigenous Americas

Catalog description

Before the western hemisphere was named after Amerigo Vespucci, it had many names, including “Turtle Island” and “Abya Yala.” Many people populated the Americas, from the Arctic and Pacific Northwest to the tip of Tierra del Fuego. These societies tracked days and seasons using complex calendrical systems, developed sophisticated philosophies about humankind’s relationship to nature, and created buildings, cities, monuments, and precious objects that continue to impress viewers today. This course introduces students to key aspects of the Indigenous art and architecture of this hemisphere, from their ancient origins to modern revitalizations and innovations. Over the semester, students will learn the names, characteristics, and key artistic accomplishments of the civilizations that populated the western half of the world.