Native Americas VOCAB

Question 1

chacmool

Answer 1

A sculpture representing an abstract human reclining figure with a shallow dish-like depression on its belly for receiving sacrifices

Question 2

atlantids

Answer 2

Columns carved to resemble standing male figures, often colossal

Question 3

cire-perdu or lost-wax

Answer 3

Metal casting method where the matrix of an original wax form is embedded in clay, the wax driven off and replaced by molten metal.

Question 4

tumbaga

Answer 4

A metal alloy of gold and copper

Question 5

bas-relief

Answer 5

Low or shallow relief carving

Question 6

sunken relief

Answer 6

Relief carving where the image is carved below the flat surface of the stone matrix

Question 7

kiva

Answer 7

Subterranean circular sacred ceremonial chamber

Question 8

tzompantli

Answer 8

Nahuatl for “skull rack”, where the heads of Aztec sacrificial victims were displayed

Question 9

Tawantinsuyu

Answer 9

In Quechua, “four parts, together”, the name of the Inka Empire

Question 10

Quechua

Answer 10

the name of the people if the central Andes in South America, also the most widely spoken language of the indigenous peoples populating the Americas.

Question 11

khipu

Answer 11

Fiber recording device of the Inka consisting of a main cord from which are hung more knotted or twisted cords

Question 12

ashlars

Answer 12

Shaped stones fitted together without mortar

Question 13

katsina (aka kachina)

Answer 13

A kind of supernatural spiritual being that personifies ancestors or also natural phenomena such as springs, lakes, rain clouds, wind, corn, animal life, as well as more abstract quantities such as concepts and qualities.