Model Type: Historic South America

Captured By: GRNSXSTUDIOS

The Springfield Museum’s latest exhibition, “The Body Adorned – Artistry and Legacy of the Ancient Americas,” opened to the public on October 1st, 2019. The exhibit features a variety of pre-Columbian artifacts from Central and South America, spanning a time period of over 1,000 years.

The exhibition begins with a section on the Olmec civilization, which flourished in present-day Mexico from about 1200 BCE to 400 BCE. The Olmec were renowned for their carved stone sculptures, which depict both human and animal figures. Also on display are a number of ceramic vessels, including one in the shape of a human head, which was used in Olmec rituals.

The second section of the exhibit focuses on the Maya civilization, which flourished in present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras from about 1000 BCE to 1500 CE. The Maya were skilled artisans, and their crafts include pottery, textile, and stonework. On display are a number of Maya artifacts, including a painted vase, a jade necklace, and a stone sculpture of a Great Jaguar Priest.

The third section of the exhibit explores the art of the Inca Empire, which was located in present-day Peru and Bolivia and flourished from about 1400 CE to 1533 CE. The Inca were expert goldsmiths and silversmiths, and their jewelry was both beautiful and symbolic. On display are a number of Inca artifacts, including a gold pendant, a silver ring, and a gold mask.

The fourth and final section of the exhibit features a variety of pre-Columbian artifacts from Central and South America, ranging in date from the Early Formative Period (c. 1500 BCE) to the Post-Classic Period (c. 1200 CE). These artifacts include ceramic vessels, stone sculptures, and gold and silver jewelry.

The Springfield Museum’s “The Body Adorned – Artistry and Legacy of the Ancient Americas” exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into the art and culture of the Olmec, Maya, and Inca civilizations. This exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the rich history and legacy of the ancient Americas.