Family Activity: Gods in Ancient American Art Find out more
about how the beliefs of ancient American people translated into
their works of art. Includes an art-making activity. Ancient
Mesoamerican and Andean region civilizations believed in cults
of gods that displayed both human and animal traits. These gods
became symbols of the behaviors valued by the people of ancient
America. For example, the god whose body stretches over this
Nazca ceramic vessel has a face that is both human and catlike.
His spiky fins recall those of a shark or killer whale. The
Nazca people knew that felines and killer whales were fierce
predators at the top of the food chain. The ruling Nazca warrior
class associated itself with the images and characteristics of
these powerful creatures as it expanded and defended Nazca land.
- Cardboard cylinder, such as an oatmeal container - Choose an
animal with whom you share certain qualities. If you like to
swim, for example, pick an animal that enjoys the water. If you
enjoy running, choos