The Persians

The Persian Empire, known as the Achaemenid Empire, was pretty big, covering a great deal of the lower part of Asia and extending into parts of northern Africa. It began in 550 BCE, and ended in 330 BCE when Alexander the Great took over.

Persian relief from the 5th century BCE depicting a charioteer and his horse. Having been displayed on the wall of a staircase, the stone relief shows one way the Persians made use of art as decoration. 

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/me/s/stone_relief,_charioteer.aspx

Calcite jar from 486-465 BCE. The jar features text which reads “Xerxes Great King” in several languages: Old Persian, Elamite, Babylonian, and Egyptian. Interestingly, the Old Persian script from the Achaemenid Empire almost always has another language with it. http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/me/c/calcite_jar.aspx

Cylinder seal depicting Darius the king shooting a lion with bow and arrows from his chariot. Surrounding him are palm trees and the familiar multi-language text (in this case Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian), reading “Darius the great king.” 

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/me/a/agate_cylinder_seal.aspx

We see the intricacy of the Persian metal work in this golden chariot model from 5th-4th centuries BCE. It is interesting to note the similarities between this chariot and the previous two chariots captured in other mediums.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/me/g/gold_model_chariot.aspx

This clay cylinder known as the Cyrus Cylinder is thought of as one of, if not the first declaration of human rights, as it recounts Cyrus’s invasion of Babylon and his humane deeds following that event. The full translated text can be seen here: 

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=327188&partId=1

http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/persian-cyrus-cylinder-is-artifact-of-human-rights/Content?oid=2539341

Silver plaque from about 200 CE apparently depicting some sort of gifting from people to a kingly figure.  

http://sadighgallerypersian.moonfruit.com/#/gallery/4568865769

Achaemenid Empire gold daric coin. Depicted on it is a Persian king holding a bow and spear, demonstrating the value that was placed on the king’s image as a military leader.

http://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/collections/artifact/

Gold fluted bowl from the Achaemenid Empire. Made in the fifth or fourth centuries BCE, bowls like this served both as items to be gifted to royalty as well as items for trade based on the value of the metal from which they were made.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/54.3.1

Gold vessel with lions head from fifth century Achaemenid Empire. Particularly notable is the intricate artistry demonstrated in the cup. According to the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, 

"The upper band of the vessel is decorated with 136 feet of twisted wire in 44 even rows, and the roof of the lion's mouth is raised in tiny ribs. Typical of Achaemenid style, the ferocity of the snarling lion has been tempered and restrained by decorative convention. The lion has a crest running down his back; his mane has the disciplined appearance of a woven material; and his flanks are covered by an ostrich plume. The inclusion of the plume, a departure from convention, suggests that this lion is winged and has some supernatural significance."

Vessel terminating in the forepart of a lion [Iran] (54.3.3)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/54.3.3 (October 2006)

Ruins from the great city of Persepolis which was almost completely destroyed by Alexander the Great’s conquest.

http://www.pbase.com/k_amj/image/70256133

The Tiwanakan

The city of Tiawanku in what is now Bolivia served as the capital city for the Tiwankan empire which controlled a great part of the southern Andes from 500 to 900 CE.

For more information: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/567/

 The Tiwanakan Gateway of the Sun, an iconic part of what remains of the city of Tiwanaku.

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/History/Bolivia-history.htm

A decorated clay keros cup used in rituals and festivities, from 300-1000 CE.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=669664&partId=1

An earthenware vessel shaped in the figure of a seated woman.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=480802&partId=1&searchText=tiwanaku&page=1

Photograph of three Tiwanakan ceramic vessels shaped as various figures.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=1609595&partId=1&searchText=tiwanaku&page=1

A palace wall with sculpted faces sticking out.

http://www.public.asu.edu/~acstone/lab/genetic_diversity_of_peru.htm

18-inch tall stone figure clutching two objects, with various designs with spiritual and religious implications. http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/313010?rpp=20&pg=1&ft=tiwanaku&pos=1

This colorful ceramic bowl of an about 5-inch diameter combines both the traditional coloration of the Wari people who made it with religious symbols from the city of Tiwanaku.

http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/312607?rpp=20&pg=1&ft=tiwanaku&pos=2

This Tiwanakan basket bowl woven from plant fiber is only 4.75 inches tall with a 4.5 inch diameter.

http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/318955?rpp=20&pg=2&ft=tiwanaku&pos=21

Part of what remains of the foundations of Tiwanaku.

http://www.livescience.com/26792-tiwanaku.html

A gold bird ornament, likely of some religious significance, from the 6-10th century CE. 

http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/309978?rpp=20&pg=2&ft=tiwanaku&pos=25

Mohenjo-Daro

Note: Unfortunately, many of my pictures are not showing up, so to view them, please click on the links below. 

The Mojenjo-daro civilization lived in what today is Pakistan. It was in its prime from about 2500-1900 BCE. The archeological evidence of municipal organization, trade, and the arts is fascinating.  

Part of what remains of the city.http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/archaeology/mohenjo-daro/

A terra-cotta human mask puppet dating to 2700-2200 BCE.

http://nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/prodCollections.asp?pid=37&id=1&lk=dp1

A die and game piece. A recent archaeology study from a Swedish university found about one out of every ten objects found in Mohenjo-daro is play-related.

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/02/2011/almost-every-tenth-find-from-mohenjo-daro-is-play-related

Mohenjo-daroan chess pieces.

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/02/2011/almost-every-tenth-find-from-mohenjo-daro-is-play-related

The 6.9 inch tall soapstone sculpture known as the "Priest-King," although there is no evidence that Mohenjo-daro had ruling monarchs or priests.

http://www.gopakistan.no/cityplace/mohenjodaro-8

This bronze figure is 4.3 inches high, approximately 4500 years old, and known as the "Indus Dancing Girl." One of most recognizable pieces from Mohenjo-daro, the Dancing Girl indicates both advancements in metal work technology and in the performing arts.

http://nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/prodCollections.asp?pid=44&id=1&lk=dp1

Depicting a seated figure of Shiva in the form of Lord of the Animals, fittingly surrounded by various creatures, this steatite seal was most likely used in trade or for religious purposes.

http://nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/prodCollections.asp?pid=42&id=1&lk=dp1

Terracotta figures of mother goddesses from 3000-2000 BCE. The style of these figurines has been referred to as "timeless" as the basic themes in these figures compared to others from other times remain somewhat the same over time.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/t/three_terracotta_figures_of_mo.aspx

These seals from about 2600 to 1900 BC provide information on the Indus' developing governmental systems. Featuring intricate images of humans and animals as well as pictographic script, the exact nature of the message of these seals remains a mystery due to the cryptic script, though it's plausible they speak to the supernatural.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/s/indus_seal.aspx

This balance from around 2500 BCE is indicative of the rather advanced trade practices of Mohenjo-daro.

http://nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/prodCollections.asp?pid=41&id=1&lk=dp1

Sculpture of a mouflon sheep. The 11 inch tall scupture features an unbroken outline and broad masses, characteristics of the Harappan period it is from.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1978.58

The Jomon

The word Jomon literally translates to "cord-marked" referring to a pottery technique that can be seen below, but primarily refers to the Neolithic period in Japan. The Incipient Jomon period began around 10,500 BCE and the Jomon period concluded around 300 BCE with the Final Jomon period, by which time the society had reached a significant level of advancement.

From the Final Jomon period, this bust of a female figurine's exact meaning is not known, the accentuated female characteristics  indicate the possibility of it being used as a symbol of fertility.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.191

From the Final Jomon period, this vessel demonstrates both cord patterning and intricate design. 

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/s/spouted_vessel.aspx

A decorated pot from the Middle Jomon period, made 3000-2000 BCE, about 12.5 inches tall.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=765512&partId=1&searchText=jomon

This pot from the early Jomon period showcases the indicative cord patterning of the period. Originally paired with a lid, this pot would likely have been used for food boiling and consumption.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/l/jomon_pot.aspx

A Late Jomon bottle illustrating a standard incised design as well as the trend toward practicality in design.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.184

The ornamental nature of the top of this 13 inch tall bowl from the late Middle Jomon period may indicate its use in ritual, rather than practical life.  

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1992.252.1

This stone spearhead from the Late Jomon period serves as a testament to the great skill and dedication to craftsmanship of the Jomon.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.200

This unglazed earthenware storage jar from the Middle Jomon period is particularly notable for its skillfully crafted artistic style. Also notable is the 27.5 inch tall jar's cord-marked pattern, a characteristic of Jomon pottery.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.182

These small tools carved from bone made in the Final Jomon period give us insight into some of the primary elements of the Jomon diet: fish, shellfish, and sea mammals.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.333-345

Clay models of people and animals such as this one, called dogu, served as a starting point for much of the later Japanese sculpture to come. Like the previous figure, this figurine's stylized feminine characteristics suggest its use as a fertility symbol. Additionally, dogu such as this one were consciously broken as a part of rituals to cure sickness.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1978.346

A decorated pot from the Middle Jomon period, made 3000-2000 BCE, about 12.5 inches tall.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=765512&partId=1&searchText=jomon

The Anasazi

The Anasazi lived in what is now the Four Corners area of the United States - where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah come together - around 100-1600 CE, though hunter-gathers first came to the region more than 12,000 years ago. 

Olla jars like this would have been used for water carrying or food storage. Interestingly, many were crafted to make balancing on the head easier.

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/band/exb_archeo

The smoke rising from this biscuit ware pipe would have been sent to bring rainclouds, hence this others like it being known as "cloud-blowers." 

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/band/exb_archeology/BAND1585_pipe_exb.html

Grinding tools such as this Mano and Metate set dating to 1200-1550 CE may have been used to grind plant seeds for food or paint pigments.

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/band/exb_archeology/BAND1482_1641_mano_bowl_exb.html

Clay duck effigy vessel measuring about 6 inches long. Several symbolic possibilities exist including the "T" shape of the vessel opening and ducks' relationship with water creating a connection with bringing rain.

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc/artifact_gallery/duck_effigy_vessel.html

The exact functions of these decorated small pieces of bone, shell, and clay is unknown, but it is likely that they were used as game pieces.

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc/artifact_gallery/gaming_pieces.html

A yucca fiber sandal made sometime tom 600 to 900 CE, illustrating a degree of detail in craftsmanship which would be lost in later centuries. The loops around the sides allowed it to be laced with varying degrees of tightness.

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc/artifact_gallery/sandal.html

On the left is a 3 inch long Clovis point which, mounted on a spear, would have been used for hunting large animals. The smaller point on the right would have been attached to an arrow.

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/band/exb_archeology/BAND133_5024_arrow_points_exb.html

Made from volcanic glass, this 1.5 inch long point was likely used to create other tools. 

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/band/exb_archeology/BAND138_spear_point_exb.html

Painted with mineral and glaze paints, 9 inch diameter bowl features human hands as design elements, something fairly uncommon in this era of pottery.

http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/band/exb_archeology/BAND550_bowl_exb.html

An 8 inch tall pitcher made between 1000 and 1150 CE. Featuring the characteristic black and white checkerboard and compressed handle of its Mancos style, it was likely used either as a serving container or for short-term storage.

http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc/artifact_gallery/pitcher.html