Artifact # 1

The Shang dynasty (1570?-1045? B.C.) arose during the Bronze Age in China. In

addition to producing stone tools, such as the mattock and axe (bottom left), the Shang made notable advances in the manufacture of bronze weapons and ritual vessels. The

bronze objects shown here include the halberd (top left), the chief weapon in ancient Chinese society, and the yue (top center), used for beheading human sacrifices.

Artifact # 2

The Shang dynasty (1570?-1045? B.C.) arose during the Bronze Age in China. In addition to producing stone tools, such as the mattock and axe (bottom left), the Shang made notable advances in the manufacture of bronze weapons and ritual vessels. The bronze objects shown here include the halberd (top left), the chief weapon in ancient Chinese society, and the yue (top center), used for beheading human sacrifices.

Artifact # 3

The Shang dynasty (1570?-1045? B.C.) arose during the Bronze Age in China. In addition to producing stone tools, such as the mattock and axe (bottom left), the Shang made notable advances in the manufacture of bronze weapons and ritual vessels. The bronze objects shown here include the halberd (top left), the chief weapon in ancient

Chinese society, and the yue (top center), used for beheading human sacrifices.

Artifact # 4

The Shang dynasty (1570?-1045? B.C.) arose during the Bronze Age in China. In addition to producing stone tools, such as the mattock and axe (bottom left), the Shang made notable advances in the manufacture of bronze weapons and ritual vessels. The bronze objects shown here include the halberd (top left), the chief weapon in ancient Chinese society, and the yue (top center), used for beheading human sacrifices. (Not

specified).

Artifact # 5

The Shang dynasty (1570?-1045? B.C.) arose during the Bronze Age in China. In addition to producing stone tools, such as the mattock and axe (bottom left), the Shang made notable advances in the manufacture of bronze weapons and ritual vessels. The bronze objects shown here include the halberd (top left), the chief weapon in ancient

Chinese society, and the yue (top center), used for beheading human sacrifices. (Not specified)

Artifact # 6

Shang Dynasty Bronze Objects The Shang dynasty (1570?-1045? BC) arose during the Bronze Age in China. In addition to producing stone tools, such as the mattock and axe (bottom left), the Shang made notable advances in the manufacture of bronze weapons and ritual vessels. The bronze objects shown here include the halberd (top left), the chief weapon in ancient Chinese society, and the yue (top center), used for beheading human sacrifices.

Artifact # 7

Ancient Flint Tools Flint was widely used by early people. The stone is relatively common and produces

sharp edges when fractured, making it ideal for tools and weapons. The adzes were used for shaping wood. Late Stone Age (Middle Eastern, Asia 8000 � 5000BC)

Artifact # 8

Ancient Flint Tools

Flint was widely used by early people. The stone is relatively common and produces sharp edges when fractured, making it ideal for tools and weapons. The sickle was used in harvesting during the late Stone Age. Note: The wooden handles are reproductions.

(Late stone age, Middle Eastern, Asia, 8000-5000 BC)

Artifact # 9

Arctic peoples of the early aboriginal Thule culture made many kinds of tools from stone, bone, ivory, and antler. The Thule culture developed between 1,100 and 400 years ago and was based around the hunting of whales, seals, walrus, and caribou, as well as fishing. One Thule technological innovation was the use of harpoon heads that were attached by lines to floats of sealskin. (Thule Culture, N. Europe, 900-1600 A.D.)

Artifact # 10

A gold head crafted by Ashanti artisans testifies to the abundance of the precious metal in the Ashanti region and to the beautiful artifacts created during the Ashanti Kingdom.

(Ashanti Culture, Africa, 1800 AD)

Artifact # 11

Lapis lazuli has appeared in jewelry and art for thousands of years. Archaeologists uncovered lapis lazuli artifacts in sites including Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen�s tomb

and in 1st century ad tombs of Peru�s Moche people. The semiprecious stone is mentioned in the Middle Eastern Gilgamesh epic, dated 2000 B.C., and in Marco Polo�s

13th-century description of Kublai Khan�s riches. (Various Cultures, Africa, Asia, and South America, 2000 B.C. � 1300 A.D.)

Artifact # 12

Chinese Ear-Cup This ear-cup, named for the pair of �ears� on either side of the main vessel, was made in China during the Han dynasty. The cup is made of wood. The outside has red lacquer on

black, while inside has black and gold lacquer on red. The images of birds and the geometric designs are influenced by the style of the late Zhou period. This cup may have

been a tomb artifact. (Han Dynasty, Chinese, Asia, 200 BC � 200 AD)

Artifact # 13

Flying Bronze Horse This bronze horse, from a tomb at Wu-Wei, dates from the late Han dynasty. The horse,

which appears to be flying, has one hoof resting on a swallow. The piece is actually a portrayal of a highly prized breed of horse that had been introduced into China about 100

B.C. At the time of the Han dynasty, Buddhism had not yet been introduced, and tomb artifacts were considered important to the afterlife of the deceased.

(Han Dynasty, Chinese, Asia, 100 B.C.)

Artifact # 14

Corinthian Pottery The ruins of the ancient city of Corinth have provided a rich treasure-trove of ancient

artifacts, such as this ointment jar dated from 400 B.C. depicting the Goddess Aphrodite. With two excellent harbors, Corinth was one of the major commercial centers of ancient

Greece. (Corinthian, Greece, Europe, 400 B.C.)

Artifact # 15

Classic Vera Cruz Ceramic Figure This figure from the Classic Vera Cruz culture (circa 600-800) was made by an artisan

working in clay. The figure is a man playing the ritual ball game known as tlachtli, which was an important part of the Classic Vera Cruz culture. The influence of other Central American cultures can be seen in the style of the figure, but it has a simplicity of form unique to Classic Vera Cruz artifacts. Its art and architecture, especially at the site of

Cerro de las Mesas, show Olmec, Teotihuacán, Zapotec, and Maya influence. (Vera Cruz, Mesoamerican, North America, 600-800 A.D.)

Artifact # 16

Inca Sun Mask

In the Inca Empire, artifacts of gold and other precious metals were associated with nobility, wealth, and political power. This gold Inca Sun Mask is held in the Central Bank

Museum in Quito, Ecuador. (1400-1500 AD South America)

Artifact # 17

Early Agricultural Tools Humans began farming about 12,000 years ago. The ability to control their food supply

freed people from a nomadic lifestyle, which allowed for the beginning of cities and towns. These early farming tools date from about 6000 B.C. The picture portrays a flat

rock and rounded stone (center), used for grinding flour. (Prehistoric Culture, Middle East, Asia, 6000 B.C.)

Artifact # 18

Early Agricultural Tools Humans began farming about 12,000 years ago. The ability to control their food supply

freed people from a nomadic lifestyle, which allowed for the beginning of cities and towns. These early farming tools date from about 6000 B.C. The picture portrays a flint

sickle used for harvesting cereal crops. (Prehistoric Culture, Middle East, Asia, 6000 B.C.)

Artifact # 19

Inuit Carving The Inuit ethnic groups in Alaska, North America, and northeast Siberia make use of

bone and ivory from marine mammals for decorative carvings. It is not unusual to find intricately sculpted details on common items. Knobs, handles, buttons, and tools often

display their skilled artistry. (2000 BC � 1800 A.D)

Artifact # 20

Before paper and coins were introduced as permanent forms of money, people used a

variety of other objects to serve as money for trading goods. Examples of early forms of money, as shown here, include dogs� teeth (Papua New Guinea, Oceania, 1000 AD)

Artifact # 21

Before paper and coins were introduced as permanent forms of money, people used a variety of other objects to serve as money for trading goods. Examples of early forms of

money, as shown here, include quartz pebbles (Ghana, Africa, 400 AD)

Artifact # 22

Pawnee Sacred Bundle The Pawnee was one of the Plains peoples who inhabited what is now Kansas. Shown here is a Pawnee sacred bundle. Bundles such as this one contained religious tools and

symbols and were used as altars in rituals and ceremonies. (Plains Indians, North America, 1800 AD)

Artifact # 23

Ancient Agricultural Practices

Relief art on the walls of the tomb of Nefer Sakkara shows Egyptian workers harvesting crops and tending livestock with rudimentary tools.

(5th Dynasty, Egypt, Africa, 2465-2323 B.C.)

Artifact # 24

Ming Dynasty Pottery The pottery produced in China during the Ming dynasty is among the finest in the world.

The multiple colors used in this vase from the 15th century A.D. are unusual for Ming pottery, which is generally blue and white. The imagery is a combination of floral designs

and fantastic creatures depicted in classic Chinese style. (Ming Dynasty, Chinese, Asia, 1400 A.D.)

Artifact # 25

Zuni Storage Jar Pottery making is an old and respected tradition among the Zuni people of North

America. This storage jar was made in the early 1900s. It was made using the �coil� method, in which long, thin coils of clay are formed around a flat, circular base and built up to create the shape of the jar, then smoothed and glazed. The white background with

black and brown geometric designs is characteristic of Zuni pottery. (Zuni Culture, North America, 1900 A.D.)

Artifact # 26

Jōmon Pottery

Japan�s Jōmon people, who thrived from 10,000 to 300 B.C., made distinctive pottery for boiling, steaming, and storing food. The pots were made with coils of clay and then

decorated by rolling carved sticks, plant fibers, or braided cords over the outer surface. This cord-marked (Jōmon) pottery gave the culture its name.

(Jōmon Culture, Japan, Asia, 2500-1000 B.C.)

Artifact # 27

Korean Pottery, Chosŏn Dynasty This ceramic vase dates from the Korean Chosŏn (Joseon) dynasty (1392-1910). The

vase exhibits the blue and white style characteristic of traditional Chosŏn pottery. Noted for its elaborate decoration, Chosŏn pottery ranks as some of the most beautiful in the

world. (Chosŏn Dynasty, Korea, Asia, 1392-1910)

Artifact # 28

Ife Terra-Cotta Head of a Queen This near life-size head represents that of an Ife queen wearing a crown. The pottery

sculpture dates from between the 11th and the 15th centuries. (Ife Culture, Nigeria, Africa, 1000-1400 A.D.)

Artifact # 29

Colima Seated Dog Bottle This seated dog bottle (100 B.C.-ad 250) comes from the Mexican state of Colima. It is made of highly burnished, red-orange terra-cotta and is notable for its simple, rounded

form. The blending of animal and human forms with functional pottery was characteristic of pre-Columbian art.

(Colima Culture, Mexico, North America, 100 B.C. � 250 A.D.)

Artifact # 30

Han Dynasty Tomb Figurine Small figurines meant to represent actual people or animals were often buried with the

deceased during the Chinese Han dynasty (206 B.C.-ad 220). Made of unglazed earthenware pottery, this figure is of a woman in a long robe with full sleeves.

(Han Dynasty, Chinese, Asia, 206 B.C. � 220 A.D.)

Artifact # 31

Plains Indian Shirt

This shirt, made of animal hide with fringe, beading, and horsehair, is a traditional garment worn by people of the Great Plains. The geometric designs in the elaborate beadwork are characteristic of Great Plains weaving and pottery as well as clothing.

(Plains Indian Culture, North America, 1750-1890)

Artifact # 32

Djenné Equestrian Figure

The ancient urban center of Djenné-Jeno developed a tradition of pottery sculpture. This warrior or hunter was probably made between the 11th and 16th centuries.

(Djenné-Jeno Culture, Mali, Africa, 1000 A.D. � 1500 A.D.)

Artifact # 33

Moche Pottery Vessel

Three fanged deities emerge from a bundle of corn cobs in this Moche vessel from the 5th or 6th century. Made of terra-cotta, this bottle was undoubtedly used for ceremonial

purposes, as was most of the pottery produced by this Andean culture. (Andean Culture, Peru, South America, 400-500 AD)

Artifact # 34

Nok �Dinya� Head The Nok culture developed a sophisticated tradition of pottery sculpture. This life-size

head, which is made of fired clay, was originally part of an entire figure that would have stood about 1.5 m (59 in) tall. It is dated from approximately the 5th century B.C.

(Nok Culture, Nigeria, Africa, 400-500 B.C.)

Artifact # 35

Darabuka

The darabuka is a goblet-shaped drum from the Middle East that is often decorated elaborately. This example from Egypt features geometric inlaid designs in tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl. The bodies of these drums are made of wood or pottery; the heads

are fashioned from skin. The drummer plays the darabuka by striking the center and edges of the head with both hands. (Persian, Middle Eastern, Asia 1300-1900 AD)

Artifact # 36

Roman Coins

Early Roman coins were made purely of precious metals like silver, but over time emperors devalued the currency by melting down these coins and then reissuing them

with a lower percentage of precious metals. As the Roman economy weakened, the coins became of so little worth that by the 3rd century, a Roman coin might contain only one percent silver. Roman coins used during the empire generally depicted the emperor who issued them on at least one side and important Roman symbols on the other. The coins

pictured here come from the reign of Nero. (Rome, Italy, Europe, 37-68 AD)

Artifact # 37

Roman Coins

Early Roman coins were made purely of precious metals like silver, but over time emperors devalued the currency by melting down these coins and then reissuing them

with a lower percentage of precious metals. As the Roman economy weakened, the coins became of so little worth that by the 3rd century, a Roman coin might contain only one percent silver. Roman coins used during the empire generally depicted the emperor who issued them on at least one side and important Roman symbols on the other. The coins

pictured here come from the reign of Nero. (Rome, Italy, Europe, 37-68 AD)

Artifact # 38

Wooden Kuba Cup

Wood from the rain forests of the Congo River basin provides material for the artistry of the Kuba people. Kuba artists use geometric patterns to decorate many objects, like this carved wooden cup, which has four legs and a handle that represents the human form.

(Congo, Africa, 1500-1700 AD)

Artifact # 39

Glass Marriage Cup Glassmaking on the island of Murano near Venice, Italy, had reached an exceptional

level of quality by the Renaissance, as shown in this 15th-century marriage cup in blue glass decorated with enameled figures and painted in gold. The cup, made by Italian

glassmaker Angelo Barovier between 1470 and 1480, is in the Museo dell�arte vetraria (Museum of Glass Art) in Murano.

Artifact # 40

Vaphio Cups The Vaphio Cups (15th century B.C.) were found in a tomb at Vaphio, near Sparta. Their

origins, which are not certain, are either Minoan or Mycenaean. They are made of two sheets of gold fastened together. One sheet is left smooth for the inside; the other is done

in repoussé relief for the outside. The scenes on the cups depict a ritual involving bull catching.

(Greece, Europe, 1400-1500 B.C.)

Artifact # 41

Ghanaian Kente Cloth

Ghanaian weavers are famous for their richly colored and textured Kente cloth. Different patterns of Kente may allude to family lineages, traditional proverbs, or historic events. The fabric was once worn only by Ashanti royalty, but it is now popular across West

Africa. (Ghana, Africa, 1700-1900 AD)

Artifact # 42

Sailor�s Word-book by William Henry Smyth. First published in 1867, this is an incomparable alphabetical digest of 14,000 nautical terms dating from the Great Days of

Sail. (England, Europe, 1867 A.D.)

Artifact # 43

Early Roman coins were made purely of precious metals like silver, but over time emperors devalued the currency by melting down these coins and then reissuing them with a lower percentage of precious metals. As the Roman economy weakened, the coins became of so little worth that by the 3rd century, a Roman coin might contain only one percent silver. Roman coins used during the empire generally depicted the emperor who issued them on at least one side and important Roman symbols on the other. (Rome, Italy, Europe, 44A.D. � 400 A.D.)