Assessment Questions 6.7

1. What impact does the author suggest ancient art has on the understanding of human creativity and genius?

The author suggests that the art displayed in the photographs in the chapter reflects the sophistication evident in some of the earliest expressions of the artistic sense unique to our species. Despite not fully understanding the original meaning to the artists or their audience, the author encourages appreciation for this ancient art as a reflection of the genius of humanity even tens of millennia ago.

2. How does the author highlight the unfortunate fate of some ancient art and architecture, and what examples are provided to illustrate this point?

The author emphasizes that certain ancient art and architecture are facing destruction at the hands of individuals with extremist beliefs. The shocking example of Khaled al-Asaad, a respected antiquities researcher beheaded for protecting ancient artifacts in Syria, is cited. Additionally, the author mentions historical instances, including the destruction of Native American religious statuary by Spanish invaders and the damaging of archaeological artifacts in Villahermosa, Mexico, by members of an evangelical Christian church in 2009.