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This beautifully decorated medieval ivory box is known as the Pyxis of al-Mughira. What is a pyxis? This video defines the term pyxis and discusses its function and material. This specific pyxis was created in the 10th century in medieval Iberia (Spain and Portugal) when it was known as al-Andalus. Boxes like these were often given as gifts, and this one may have been a gift for the Umayyad prince al-Mughira. We continue to expand our glossary of art history terms, focusing on symbols and subject matter, techniques, forms and formats, and architectural terms. Please support our work as a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ Main object: Pyxis of al-Mughira, 968 CE / AH 357, ivory, 16cm x 11.8 cm, possibly from Madinat al-Zahra in Spain. Louvre Museum, Paris. *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to the Pyxis of al-Mughira 0:15 Defining Pyxis 0:44 Pyxides in the Ancient Mediterranean 0:56 The Umayyads and the Iberian Peninsula 1:16 Luxury objects and ivory 2:02 A gift for the Umayyad Prince al-Mughira Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #iberia #medieval #arthistory #umayyad #andalusia #pyxis #islamichistory #ivory #medievalart #spain #historyofart #learningisfun #middleages #historyfacts #medievalhistory

One of the most fascinating ancient Maya city-states is Yaxchilán, on the border of Mexico and Guatemala. This remote archaeological site is famous for its incredible art and architecture—especially its intricately carved lintels! But what exactly is a lintel? And why are the lintels of Yaxchilán so important? In this video, we’ll focus on Lintel 25 from Structure 23, which features Lady K’abal Xook (sometimes spelled Xoc), and uncover how these architectural elements served as more than just structural supports—they were powerful records of Maya history and rulers. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos about art history, history, and archaeology! It really helps our small channel and we really appreciate it. We’d love your support on Patreon so that we can devote more time to creating materials for free. We appreciate any support you can give. https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ Main object: Lintel 25 showing Lady K'abal Xook, Maya, c. 681 CE, Classic Period, limestone, from Structure 23, Yaxchilán, Chiapas, Mexico. The British Museum *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to lintels at Yaxchilán 0:35 Defining lintel 0:55 More about lintels at Yaxchilán 1:13 Lintel 25 of Lady Xook from Structure 23 1:45 Viewing carved lintels at Yaxchilán 1:58 Ways of recording history and power Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #mesoamerica #arthistory #mexico #archaeology #mayans #historyofart #britishmuseum #medievalart #ancientamerica #glossary #learningisfun #history #ancientamerica #lintel #famousart

Who is the deity Tlaloc in Mesoamerica? What role does this divine being play in the Aztec pantheon? This video answers these questions by looking at a vessel showing the rain god Tlaloc in the Templo Mayor site museum in Mexico City. Its unmistakable turquoise color, called Maya Blue, is eye-catching and connects to the important role that Tlaloc played in Aztec religion. This video describes who Tlaloc was and what this deity symbolized for the Aztecs or Mexica in Mesoamerica. This short video is part of a series that breaks down key terms in art history, archaeology, and history! *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Who is Tlaloc and what role does he play in the Aztec pantheon? 0:27 Tlaloc’s blue color and features 0:45 Rain, caves, and the Templo Mayor Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank ---------------------------- *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #aztec #ArtHistory #mesoamerica #Glossary #Archaeology #SocialStudies #rain #Vocabulary #aztecs #art #tlaloc #educationalvideo #symbolism #mexico #mexicocity

What is a tzompantli (skull rack) and what role did it play in Mesoamerica cultures? In this video, we explore the concept of the tzompantli, a massive skull rack used by Mesoamerican groups like the Aztecs in ceremonial rituals. We discuss its significance, its use, and what it reveals about Aztec beliefs and practices. The video looks at the skull rack in the ceremonial precinct of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and at the ancient Maya site of Chichén Itzá. This video is part of a series that breaks down key terms in art history, archaeology, and history! *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Tzompantli and Mesoamerica 0:23 The Aztec (Mexica) tzompantli near the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan 0:59 The function of a skull rack 1:27 Other Mesoamerican tzompantli: The Maya version at Chichén Itzá 1:47 Possible connections to the ritual ballgame Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank Check out our entire glossary of art history! https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #aztec #mesoamerica #arthistory #sacrifice #history #art #worldhistory #educationalvideo #learningisfun #glossary #socialstudies #chichenitza #mexico #symbolism #skull

This video defines the meaning of cliff dwelling, looking primarily at Mesa Verde National Park examples such as Cliff Palace and Balcony House. These cliff dwellings were built by the Ancestral Puebloans and are found throughout the Four Corners region of the United States. Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank ------------------------------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! We hope to be able to create more. Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ Check out our entire glossary of art history! https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history ---------------------------- *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ #southwest #architecture #medieval #nativeamerican #mesaverde #ArtHistory #glossary #archaeology #SocialStudies #HistoryOfArt #EducationalVideos #history #nationalpark #nationalparks #cliff

Who were the amanteca (featherworkers) from Aztec Tenochtitlan? And why were featherworks so important? This video answers these questions by looking at various Aztec featherworks, including the so-called Penacho of Moctezuma II (feathered headdress) and shields (chimalli), as well as images of amanteca at work in The Florentine Codex. *If you like our work, please consider supporting our channel on Patreon! Most patrons receive a free custom sticker (of Mesoamerican art or ancient Japanese haniwa). Your support is so much appreciated, thank you!* https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ One of the most important primary sources we have today to learn about the Aztec Empire, The Florentine Codex is a twelve-volume encyclopedia written in Spanish and Nahuatl and includes thousands of images. It devotes many images and pages to the craft of making featherworks, suggesting the importance of both the artisans who made them and the feathered objects themselves. This short video is part of a series that breaks down key terms in art history, archaeology, and history! *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Featherworks in the Aztec Empire 0:25 Who are the amanteca (featherworks)? 0:39 Amantla in Tenochtitlan 0:51 Making featherworks and Aztec tribute items 1:10 The types of bird feathers (quetzals, macaws, spoonbills, etc.) 1:27 The amanteca in The Florentine Codex Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history Check out the Digital Florentine Codex from The Getty Museum, https://florentinecodex.getty.edu/ ---------------------------- *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #Aztec #ArtHistory #Mesoamerica #glossary #feather #SocialStudies #birds #vocabulary #mexicanhistory #art #manuscripts #educationalvideo #mexico #medieval #history

This beautifully decorated medieval ivory box is known as the Pyxis of al-Mughira. What is a pyxis? This video defines the term pyxis and discusses its function and material. This specific pyxis was created in the 10th century in medieval Iberia (Spain and Portugal) when it was known as al-Andalus. Boxes like these were often given as gifts, and this one may have been a gift for the Umayyad prince al-Mughira. We continue to expand our glossary of art history terms, focusing on symbols and subject matter, techniques, forms and formats, and architectural terms. Please support our work as a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ Main object: Pyxis of al-Mughira, 968 CE / AH 357, ivory, 16cm x 11.8 cm, possibly from Madinat al-Zahra in Spain. Louvre Museum, Paris. *CHAPTERS* 0:00 Introduction to the Pyxis of al-Mughira 0:15 Defining Pyxis 0:44 Pyxides in the Ancient Mediterranean 0:56 The Umayyads and the Iberian Peninsula 1:16 Luxury objects and ivory 2:02 A gift for the Umayyad Prince al-Mughira Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank ---------------------------- *SUPPORT OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #iberia #medieval #arthistory #umayyad #andalusia #pyxis #islamichistory #ivory #medievalart #spain #historyofart #learningisfun #middleages #historyfacts #medievalhistory

What is a roof comb? To answer that question, this video examines a roof comb on Structure 33 from the ancient Maya city-state of Yaxchilán in Chiapas, Mexico. Roof combs are one of the main elements in ancient Maya architecture. The video describes a roof comb and how it functioned in ancient Maya architecture. This short video is part of a series that breaks down key terms in art history, archaeology, and history! *CHAPTERS* 0:00 What is a roof comb? 0:45 Roof combs and the ancient Maya in Mesoamerica 1:23 Structure 33 and its roof comb at Yaxchilán Check out our entire glossary of art history! https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank ---------------------------- *WANT TO LEARN MORE? HAVE A QUESTION?* http://artsq.org/ *INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK?* Become a patron to help us create materials for our channel! Patreon—https://www.patreon.com/ARTSQ *JOIN OUR COMMUNITIES ON SOCIAL* Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/artsq_official Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/ARTSQofficial #maya #arthistory #mesoamerica #history #ancienthistory #mayans #educationalvideo #learningisfun #glossary #socialstudies #historyofart #mexico #architecture #vocabulary #ancientamericas