For this module, you will be learning about Mesoamerican art. Mesoamerica refers to the diverse civilizations that shared similar cultural characteristics in the geographic areas comprising the modern-day countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Some of the shared cultural traits among Mesoamerican peoples included a complex pantheon of deities, architectural features, a ballgame, the 260-day calendar, trade, food. Some of the most well-known Mesoamerican cultures are the Olmec, Maya, Zapotec, Teotihuacan, Mixtec, and Mexica .
Art historians and archaeologists divide Mesoamerican history into distinct periods and some of these periods are then further divided into the sub-periods—early, middle, and late.
After you read the below article, answer the following questions:
1. Identify at least two distinctive trends and materials in art production for each of the following cultures: Olmec, Mayan, and Aztec.
2. In at least six sentences, describe the importance of Teotihuacan as a religious, commercial, and art historical center.
3. Identify at least three features of Mayan art from the Classic Period.
4. What were Mixtec codices used for? What was their basic format?
5. Define logo-graphic.
