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Latin American art is the combined artistic expression of South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, as well as Latin Americans living in other regions.

The art has roots in the many different indigenous cultures that inhabited the Americas before European colonization in the 16th century. The indigenous cultures each developed sophisticated artistic disciplines, which were highly influenced by religious and spiritual concerns. Their work is collectively known and referred to as Pre-columbian art.

Pre-Columbian art is a collection of several different art forms, from public stone figures to tiny molded figures showing animals and people. Different works formed from precious medals and fine fabrics. Possibly one of the most renowned art forms of this time were the ancient textiles . Mesoamerioca cultures partook in a vast variety or art but none more valued in that time then the textile. The Aztec, Mayans and Incas alike all had strong influence in the arts in this era and each civilization had the same concept for a specific form of art.

Traditional textiles are fibers spun together using a spindal and a clay or stone to create thread. Then, sometimes dyed, threads are woven using a loom called backstrap loom. this loom created mobility while weaving. The textile art was brightly colored some embroidered with designs . This textile art form is a most valued art of its time, surpassing forms of currency and used to pay as tributes and taxes to nobility and warriors. As welcome gifts to foreign visitors. The connection of meaning and use is for textiles are closely alike in all of ancient

The Aztec Empire is referred to as a military state but is also know for its high value for art. A famous group of tribes called the Nahuas, the most famous of these tribes Mexica formed a city called Tenchtitlan, that is said to be a influence to various early mesoamerican cultures.All aspects of art was held in high regard by Nahuas but the most important was the textile. Textiles are an important type of art that little is know about due to humid hot climate causing the breakdown of the integrity of the fabrics. Only very few pieces have been recovered. In the late 14 century Aztec empire was at their height and textiles were valuable and used as a form of currency Textile were used as rewards. Colorful patterns and designs differentiated wealth and status also place of origin.

The Mayans reached their height in 250 A.D. known as the Classical Period or the Golden Age. The Mayans are referred to as the Great Artists of mesoamerica, with great influence from the Teotihuacan. Like the Aztec, Mayans also used textiles a means of art and other various interpretations. Using textiles to distinguish between status and origin. The Mayan textile art reflected their beliefs , Gods and Elites and daily duties.Incas textile were brightly colored and embroidered with designs. Mayan textile colors were mostly red and black. Mayans invented and developed a signature color called Mayan blue . A turquoise blue found in much of Mayan textile art.

Ancient Inca art is described as some of the finest works ever crafted in the historic Americas . The Inca civilization of Peru in c. 1422- 1532 C.E. created many works of art like the Aztec and Mayan. The Incas work was seen predominantly in polished valuable metals. However their most valued work was the textile, made is similar fashion to the Aztec and Mayans. Inca art focused mainly on the usage of geometrical shapes arranged in brightly colored designs. Also influenced by earlier cultures the Incas created their own unique style. Textiles in all these early civilizations were used as a form of representation of power, wealth, and status. Incas did not use this art to depict themselves or their rituals like the other ancient cultures. But almost always used complex shapes to show images of birds and animals. Inca unlike the Aztec and Mayans used gold and silver in many of their works, however none regarded as valuable as the textiles.