Ancient Americas

North, Central and South America prior to the

European colonization period begun by
Christopher Columbus voyage of 1492

Archaeology

the study of remains, such as pottery, of a

of people

Archaeologist

a scientist who studies the remains of a group

of people

Artifact
Ceramic
Clay

any object that is made by a human

clay that has been fired at a high temperature

soft, stretchable earth that becomes hard when

baked or fired

Culture

similar beliefs and behaviors in a particular

community

Elements of art

basic visual tools that artists use to create

works of art; these include line, shape, color
and texture

Excavation Site

an area (land or sea) where objects are

uncovered

Pre-Columbian

cultures of North, Central and South America

prior to the European colonization period begun
by Christopher Columbus voyage of 1492

Principles of design

group

basic guidelines that artists use to plan works

of art; these include balance, emphasis,
pattern and rhythm

Shard

a fragment of pottery

Vessel

a hollow container