Question 1

Which of the groups was least prominent during the Postclassical period?

Accepted Answer

The Olmecs were most prominent during the pre-classical period, with their civilization declining by around 400 BCE. While their influence continued to be felt in various ways, they were not as prominent during the Postclassical period as the other groups listed. The Toltecs, Mixtecs, and Aztecs, on the other hand, were all major players during this time period.

Question 2

Who were the most skilled goldsmiths in Mesoamerica Mexico?

Accepted Answer

The Mixtecs were known for their mastery of goldsmithing and metalwork. Their intricate designs and attention to detail are evident in the jewelry and ornaments found in their archaeological sites. While the Toltecs and Maya also had skilled goldsmiths, the Mixtecs are considered the most accomplished in Mesoamerica. The Aztecs, on the other hand, were primarily known for their military prowess and empire-building rather than their goldsmithing abilities.

Question 3

The feathered serpent is one guise for which Mesoamerican deity?

Accepted Answer

The feathered serpent is a well-known symbol of Quetzalcoatl, one of the most important deities in Mesoamerican mythology.

Question 4

Which of the following groups uses the unique combination of male designer and female weaver?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following groups uses the...

Question 5

When confined to the reservations Plains Indians took to recording their past exploits and history. They also recorded their reactions to their new surroundings often far from their places of birth. Which of the following would they use for this purpose of record keeping?

Accepted Answer

Plains Indians often used ledger books to record their history and experiences while on reservations. These books were obtained through trade with settlers and contained pre-drawn lines that made it easy for the Indians to record their stories and artwork. Tipi hides, blankets, and shields were used for ceremonial and decorative purposes, but were not typically used for record keeping.

Question 6

The ancient art of creating quilled, beaded, and painted clothing has evolved into elaborate costumes today for which of the following ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

The competitive dances called powwows are known for their elaborate costumes, which often feature quilled, beaded, and painted clothing.

Question 7

Who called themselves Mexica?

Accepted Answer

The term "Mexica" was used by the Aztecs to refer to themselves, and it is believed to mean "those who are involved in the Nahuatl language." The Maya, Mixtecs, and Tolteca were distinct civilizations with their own unique cultures and languages.

Question 8

Plains peoples' shield paintings were often based on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Plains peoples' shield paintings were often based on personal religious visions, which were believed to provide spiritual protection and power.

Question 9

What do the pipe, painted buffalo robe, bear-claw necklace and feather decorations represent in Karl Bodmer's portrait entitled Two Ravens?

Accepted Answer

These items are symbols of military accomplishments and status within the community, often used to signify achievements and honors in Native American culture.

Question 10

Who were the supreme masters of shaping and fitting stones for architecture in South America?

Accepted Answer

The Inka were known for their exceptional skill in shaping and fitting stones for architecture. Their use of massive polygonal stones that fit perfectly together without the use of mortar is a testament to their expertise. While the other options may have had some skill in stonework, the Inka were considered the supreme masters in South America.

Question 11

The Northwest Coast Indians used masks for which of the following types of ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

The Northwest Coast Indians used masks for healing rituals.

Question 12

Which of the following masks would be used during the Kwakiutl winter ceremonial season?

Accepted Answer

The Kwakiutl winter ceremonial season involves the use of transformation masks, which are specifically designed to change from one figure to another during the performance. Wolverine, lion, and jaguar masks are not typically associated with Kwakiutl culture or their winter ceremonial season.

Question 13

The Northwest Coast Indians had a rich and reliable environment. They developed a large and varied repertory of symbols and objects. Which of the following also developed as a result of this environment?

Accepted Answer

The development of a rich and reliable environment allowed for the emergence of a class of professional artists among the Northwest Coast Indians who could specialize in the creation of intricate and elaborate symbolic objects, often with spiritual or ritual significance.

Question 14

A prime example of dry-joining masonry (masonry without mortar) is found in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Inca Temple of the Sun at Cuzco is known for its dry-joining masonry, where stones are precisely cut to fit together without the use of mortar.

Question 15

The arts of the Northwest Coast Indians of North America are expressions not only of spiritual beliefs but also of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The arts of the Northwest Coast Indians were often used to display social status and hierarchy within the community. Art was a way for individuals to demonstrate their wealth and power, and for communities to showcase their cultural identity.

Question 16

Who designs Chilkat blankets?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Who designs Chilkat blankets?
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Question 17

Which of the following cities had become a pilgrimage site for the Aztecs?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following cities had become...

Question 18

What totemic emblems do Haida poles display?

Accepted Answer

Haida poles display totemic emblems of clan groups, such as the Eagle, Raven, and Bear. These totems represent the ancestral connections and identities of the clans. The other options (A, B, and C) do not accurately reflect the totemic emblems commonly displayed on Haida poles.

Question 19

The Yupik Eskimo have a rich ceremonial tradition based on which of the following animals?

Accepted Answer

The Yupik Eskimo have a rich ceremonial tradition based on seals, as they rely heavily on hunting them for their survival and consider them a sacred animal of great importance in their culture.

Question 20

Haida house frontal poles displaying totemic emblems express which of the following ideas?

Accepted Answer

Haida house frontal poles displaying totemic emblems express family history. The totemic emblems on the poles represent the lineage and ancestry of the family or clan that built the house. These emblems may also include animals, natural elements, or mythological creatures that hold significant symbolic meaning to the family or clan.

Quiz 35: Native Arts of the Americas, 1300 to 1980