Images

Fresco depicting two Lares (protective deities, sons of the god Mercury) pouring wine from a drinking horn (rhyton) into a bucket (situla). They stand on either side of a scene of sacrifice. The head of the family makes offerings, a musician...

Ah Puch, the Mayan god of death, is often represented as having an owl's head since owls were considered symbols of death to the ancient Maya. This figurine dates to c. 600-800 CE, which coincides with the Classic Period in Mayan history...

This type of unusual pottery was made by the Nazca civilization that inhabited what is now present-day Peru. This piece features skeletal figures, and it was made c. 200 BCE-600 CE. (The Department of Anthropology and Museum of Fine Arts...

The Aztec civilization of ancient Mesoamerica believed that dead warriors were reincarnated as hummingbirds or butterflies. These whistling pots often included such birds, and they were considered spiritual conduits. This fine specimen dates...

More than a thousand years ago, Vikings living on the Swedish Island of Gotland erected carved stone slabs to commemorate fallen warriors and heroic deeds. This stone is called the "Broa Stonem" and it dates to c. 700-800 CE. Today, these...

Keys were a powerful symbol of control over the household goods in Viking Scandinavia. The lady of the house, known as the "husfreyja," or "goddess of the house," would always wear the keys on her belt, even taking them with her to the grave...

Decorative game pieces may have been used to play checkers or backgammon, two games known in Viking Age Scandinavia through trade with the Middle East. These pieces are made from wood and date to c. 800-1000 CE. They are Norwegian in provenance...

The Vikings did not use fishing reels or poles. Instead, they tied hooks to a fishing line made from sheep, cow, or walrus intestines, then pulled the fish up by hand. On a small rowing boat out on the open ocean, this was a very dangerous...

Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire, England. Founded in the 7th century CE.

Made of unglazed ceramic, this top portion of a water jug depicts two Seljuk guards flanking a seated figure, possibly a sultan. Dates to the late 12th to early 13 century CE. Measures approximately 30 x 36 x 36 cm. (Brooklyn Museum, New...