ANCIENT AGRICULTURE

Dropping seeds into holes punched in cleared ground by a pointed stick known as a “dibble,” this ancient American farmer sows a new crop while previously planted seeds — including the corn and beans immediately opposite him — bear fruit for harvest. Created by a sixteenth-century European artist, the drawing misrepresents who did the agricultural work in many ancient American cultures — namely, women rather than men. The Pierpont Morgan Library/Art Resource, NY.

READING THE IMAGE In what ways has this ancient farmer modified and taken advantage of the natural environment?

CONNECTIONS What were the advantages and disadvantages of agriculture compared to hunting and gathering?