Price, T. Douglas, and Gary Feinman. 2003. Images of the Past. Fourth Edition. McGraw Hill: New York.

Museum Link Illinois, Thames and Hudson, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, About: Archaeology, Dig, Illinois State Museum, Anasazi Heritage Center, PBS, ThinkQuest, On-lineDictionary of Anthropology, National Museum of Mexican Art, GlossArtist

Glossary A-B

AD:
The initials A.D. (used with or without periods) are an abbreviation for the Latin "Anno Domini", which translates to "the Year of Our Lord" (following the year 1).

Aclla:
Highly esteemed Inca women weavers and brewers.

Acllawasi:
A monumental stone enclosure located in the city center. It housed a group of weavers known as the aclla. Unmarried, and highly esteemed women, the aclla created exquisite textiles for the Inca.

Aesthetic:
Concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste.

Agriculture:
A system of food production involving the cultivation of domesticated crops.

American Indian:
Of, or relating to, a tribe, people, or culture that is Indigenous to the Americas. Usually synonymous to "Native American."

Archaeologist:
A person trained in the knowledge and methods of archaeology. A professional archaeologist usually holds a degree in anthropology with a specialization in archaeology and is trained to collect archaeological information in a scientific way.

Artifact (or Artefact):
Portable objects made, used, or modified by humans. Common examples include tools, utensils, art, food remains, and other products of human activity.

Assimilation:
The social process of absorbing one cultural group within another.

Atlatl:
A spearthrower, or wooden shaft, used to propel a spear or dart.

Awl:
A pointed instrument for piercing small holes in leather, wood, etc.