Pre-Columbian Art
In the manner of previous books on pre-Columbian art, this beautifully illustrated book aims to cover the whole artistic tradition in all its variety. But where previous books dealt with the traditions separately and from archaeological, anthropological, ecological, or stylistic approaches, this book's intent is to compare and contrast the two cultures and use the artistic tradition to unlock some of the elaborate belief systems that inform these cultures. Pasztory (pre-Columbian art history and archaeology, Columbia) has written extensively on pre-Columbian art and architecture. She reveals the effects of colonialism on the art as well as the influence of pre-Columbian art on 20th-century artists. Her intriguing conclusions include speculations on the importance of technology in these cultures and on the existence of two fundamental types of ideology?one focusing on humans and the other on the cosmos. Highly recommended as a well-written summary and introductory treatment of the subject for public and academic libraries.?Sylvia Andrews, Indiana State Lib., IndianapolisCopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.