Art Of The Ancient Americas

This collection showcases more than 2,500 artworks from the ancient Americas. These works offer a glimpse into the cultural, religious, and political histories of civilizations that flourished before European colonization.

The dedicated galleries present these artifacts from two viewpoints. First, through a “material culture” lens these objects are examined to reveal insights into daily life, social practices, intellectual achievements, and spiritual beliefs. These pieces are art- that is, human creativity and technical expertise that highlight the universal impulse to produce meaningful, emotion-filled objects. Second, the collection explores the aesthetics and techniques of ancient American artists. These works — in earthenware, jadeite and other stones, gold and silver, shell, and fiber — embody the artistic traditions of civilizations whose descendants now form the modern nations of Latin America.

Generously gifted by Dr. and Mrs. Francis Robicsek, this collection is among the largest in the United States, encompassing 4,300 years of artistic achievement from 2800 BCE to 1500 CE.