Visual Activity for Chapter 1

Printed Page 13 Chapter Chronology

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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.

Question 1.5

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

Question 1.6

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