using the natural history museum of nyc fill out these questions.
I. Obsidian (volcanic glass) was the most important material for utilitarian tools in Mesoamerica. It was chipped into spear points, knives, scrapers, and blades. Sometimes it was also used for polished ornaments such as ear spools, lip plugs, and beads. It is easier to work than jade (because it is much softer), but also very fragile. Most obsidian is gray or black, and can be found at sources throughout Mesoamerica. But there is one important variety of translucent obsidian that looks black from a distance, but if you look through a thin edge, it is actually a greenish color (looks like beer-bottle glass) This is found at only one source, located in Central Mexico (50 km north of Mexico City) Another very rare variety (opaque red) also comes from the Mexico City area. (You will be shown samples of these in class.)
Obsidian tools and ornaments are on display in three cases (marked on the map):
i) Preclassic specimens from Mexico City, (ii) Postclassic (Aztec) specimens from Central Mexico (mostly near Mexico City), and (iti) Postclassic (Mixtec) specimens from Oaxaca (about 400 km south of Mexico City). Please examine these specimens — focus on the obsidian; ignore the jade, pottery, and metal artifacts that are in the same cases. Then answer the following questions:
Even though the lighting is bad, try to distinguish the colors of all of the obsidian artifacts (You will need to bring a small flashlight!) Describe the form and color (gray, green, or red) of each of the obsidian artifacts (Hint: there is only one red obsidian artifact on exhibit). Are the same forms and types of objects found in each time period and in each region, or do they vary? Which regions had specimens made from green obsidian, or red obsidian? What does this tell you about trade?
Were the obsidian ear spools and other obsidian ornaments worn only by elites (high-status persons), or could anyone wear them? On what do you base your opinion? (Hint: consider the relative cost of the raw materials and the amount of labor involved in producing them.)
II. Small clay figurines are common in archaeological sites throughout Mesoamerica, from the early Preclassic period up until the Spanish conquest. They are believed to have been used in household rituals. Many of the ones on exhibit here are broken — the detached heads originally would have had bodies, before they broke off. Examples from Central Mexico are displayed in four cases (marked on the map): i) early, middle, and late Preclassic; ii) Classic (Teotihuacan); (iii) early Postclassic (Toltec); and (iv) late Postclassic (Aztec). Please examine these — focus on the clay figurines; ignore the pots, stone statues, and other objects in the same cases. Then answer the following questions:
How does the technique of manufacturing the figurines change over time? Does this change suggest anything about the degree of specialization and the organization of production?
How does the style and symbolism of the figurines change over time? Describe the figurines from each time period.
In each period, are they mostly male or female (or genderless);
human, animal, or imaginary beings? What sort of regalia and costumes (if any) do they have? Do you think they represent humans or supernatural beings? Do you think that religious beliefs changed over time?
( this is the assignment attached below i also have pictures of the artifacts if needed)
