Indigenous Art and Architecture in A.D. 1600-1800
Between A.D. 1600-1800, Indigenous art and architecture reflected the deep cultural, spiritual, and environmental connections of Indigenous peoples across various regions. In North America, the Plains tribes created intricate beadwork and quillwork, often used to decorate clothing, tools, and ceremonial items, while the Southeastern tribes developed elaborate pottery and basketry. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and other northeastern tribes built longhouses using wood and bark, designed to accommodate extended families and reflect communal living. In the Pacific Northwest, Indigenous peoples carved totem poles and built large plank houses, incorporating rich symbolism and clan stories into their art and architecture. In Australia, Aboriginal art thrived through rock paintings, engravings, and the use of natural pigments, portraying Dreamtime stories and spiritual beliefs. Across these regions, Indigenous art and architecture during this period were deeply intertwined with the land, community, and tradition, preserving cultural heritage and identity in the face of growing external pressures.