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The Americas

Map showing the Amercias
From the icy Arctic tundra to the humid Amazonian jungles, Americas’ indigenous peoples inhabit extremely varied environments. The long history of their occupation of these lands stretches back at least 13,000 years.

This part of the gallery explores some of the histories and present day issues of Americas’ First Peoples.

The continents of North and South America – known collectively as the Americas – are the home of diverse indigenous cultures.

Throughout the turbulent years following European contact and settlement (post-1500s) to the present day, many Native Americans have worked to retain their cultural heritage and values in a changing world.

In honour of these traditions, indigenous words are used to emphasise the continuing importance of languages. Native groups are also identified by the terms they choose to use for themselves.

From ancient texts to contemporary art, the rich heritage of the Native Americas is introduced through the work of its artists and craftspeople.

“Here through art I shall live forever...A singer, from my heart I strew my songs
I carve a great stone, I paint thick wood
My song is in them…
I shall leave my song-image on earth.”
“Toltecayootl a ycaya ninemiz ye nicã ayyo.
Cuica-nitl noyol y noxochiuh nõcuicayhuitequi on teixpã ayyo.
Hueyn tetl nictequin tomahuac quahuitl nic ycuiloa yã cuicatl ytech aya oncan no mitoz in quemanõ in can niyaz nocuicamachio nicyacauhtiaz in tlpc.”

Mexica/Aztec poem (about 1570)

Find out more about the varied cultures of the Americas by following the links below.

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