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Art is a sense of communication. It allows individuals from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other via images, sounds, and stories. Art can be defined as cultural documents; which provide insight into past and existing cultures, helping us to understand the life and values of other individuals.

Llama, 15th century

The llama is very important in Peruvian culture. The llama was thought to have a link with the sun, rain and fertility. A white llama was sacrificed to the sun every morning. This cultural practice such as sacrifice and offering to the gods is not one that is seen in society anymore. This provides individuals with a view on how individuals lived their lives in a religious manner.  

Baby Carrier, Eastern Sioux, 19th century 

The Sioux Baby carrier is decorated with symbols of protection and well-being. These were made by the mother who was pregnant and getting ready to have the child. On the baby carrier, there are many symbols that are believed to protect the baby. One of the symbols on the baby carrier was the thunderbird. The thunderbird is capable of protecting against both humans and the evils of the supernatural world. The llama was a sacred animal within this culture and was used as a sacrifice for the gods. This baby carrier is meant to spiritually and physically protect the child. 

Sowei Mask from the Sherbo District, Mende, 1880-1886

This Sowei mask represents ideal female beauty for the Mende people. The mask is only worn by a senior member of the Sande women's society at the initiation ceremony of young girls into the society. This indicates that these young girls are transferring into women. The Sande society has a backwards view on the roles of men and women. The men are the musicians at the ceremony and carve the sowei masks that are worn by the women. The women dance the masquerade. This dance honors the female ancestors of the past and welcomes the new generation of young women into society. The intricate details of the mask have many symbolic meanings. The small lips and eyes indicate modesty and that the voice will be used for things of importance not like gossip or slander. The long forehead indicates wisdom and generosity. As these young girls transition to women, they become wiser. The hat worn by the mask shows the creation of women of sophistication, wealth and power. This meant that they would attract husbands of similar ranks and wealth. 

Nikisi Nkondi, Congo, 19th century

The Nikisi Nkondi was made by the Kongo people. This was an object used by chiefs, elders, and diviners to help administer justice in their communities. Nkondi means "hunter" which means that they can hunt down and attack wrong doers, witches or enemies. The Nkondi is meant for divine protection of a society. This figure can act as an oath taking image as an avenger or guardian if any evil has been committed. This figure was shown to be a symbol of protection over a society. 

Blolo Bla (Female Spirit Spouse)

In comparison to the Nikski Nkondi, which was a public object, the Blolo bla was for private use. This was sculpted to represent an idealized individual and represents physical, moral and spiritual ideals of beauty. If an individual's marriage is failing, Baule spirituality explains it as an other-worldly lover who is making trouble for the living person who is the object of their affection. In order to rectify the marriage, the person is supposed to imagine what this spirit spouse looks like and pays an artist to produce a sculpture that will flatter the spirit. When the spirit is flattered, this means that the spirit will assist the individual his or her lover to have a more productive and healthy life, marriage and family. The statue takes the burden of their failing marriage off of the individual and therefore places it onto the spirit that is embodied in the statue. This helps individuals in a psychological manner since it allows a person to free themselves from any guilt they may have. The statue of the female spirit spouse has her hands placed on her stomach; this is symbolic for a woman's ability to bear and nurture children. The position the statue is standing in indicates a woman's physical strength as well as her mental one. A woman is patient and able to think or wait before acting. The figures small eyes and mouth indicate that she will not pry into other peoples business nor use her mouth to gossip. The small breasts on the statue symbolize female beauty rather than to sexualize a woman.

Art is a means of preserving culture that is no longer prevalent in todays society. Art can reflect a societies belief and cultural values. This allows individuals later on to look back at the past cultures and gives insight into the past values and compare them with the values of today.