Discussion 3: Cultural Representations in Africa and the Americas

There are 3 parts to this question. In your initial post, respond to all three parts of the question.

Part 1: Explain whether you see a common thread that unites early African cultures or whether you see these cultures as very different. Refer to specific examples to support your explanation.

When comparing these cultures, ask yourself: "What part of Africa do they live? What is the geography in this area? What kind of objects do they make and for what purposes? How do they represent human figures? How are animal figures represented?"

Part 2: Speculate on the similarities in the monuments to the Sun god in cultures of Mesoamerica, South America, and Egypt.

Part 3: Think about the differences between "art" and "artifacts." If an object is both beautiful and functional, is it still art ?