Pre-Columbian Central America

c. 1500 BCE–1521 CE

This art was produced by civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec before European contact. It includes monumental architecture, sculpture, ceramics, and codices. Art was closely tied to religion, astronomy, and political power. Visual systems communicated cosmology and social order.

Temple of the Great Jaguar

Unknown

c. AD 732

A steep Maya pyramid temple dedicated to a ruler, with nine levels symbolizing the underworld.

Nunnery Quadrangle

Unknown

c. 800–1000

A complex of four richly decorated buildings arranged around a courtyard.

Governor's Palace

Unknown

c. 800–1000

A long palace with elaborate stone mosaics, a key example of Puuc architecture.

Fenton Vase

Unknown

c. AD 600–800

A painted ceramic vase with mythological scenes and hieroglyphs.

Ear ornament

Unknown

c. 200 BC–AD 700

A large gold ear ornament with intricate figures, worn by elite rulers.

Courtyard of Quetzalpapalotl Palace

Unknown

c. AD 250

A palace courtyard richly decorated with carvings of butterflies and birds.

Avenue of the Dead

Unknown

AD 1–600

The main processional street of Teotihuacan, lined with pyramids and temples.

Colossal Head No. 1

Unknown

c. 1200–900 BC

A massive basalt head representing an Olmec ruler, with a distinctive helmet-like headdress.