1.10: Conclusion
Historically, gold inspired most civilizations, a shiny, bright material usually associated with wealth and power. In almost every location, gold was the provenance of the ruling and elite classes, controlling who had gold, what was made with gold, and the value of gold. Each gold item below is quite different depending on use and ownership. New trans-oceanic exploration and invasions by many European powers brought significant destruction and change to indigenous populations inhabiting much of the world. The Europeans found unique products and commodities from new, and considered exotic, places around the world. Unfortunately, destructive aggression was part of the European invasion, destroying native populations and diseases unknown in the new territories. Christianity was another power the Europeans brought, imposing their religious beliefs on others as local people were forced to give up their religious cultures and submit to new ideals.
Sculptures are found worldwide based on religious beliefs, cultural values, commercial requirements, or an artist's concept. Multiple types of material were formed into shapes, complete with meaningful artistic details. Some sculptures followed religious or cultural designs, and some were made by artists who were free to build on their designs.
Painted images are found in every culture since early people began marking on cave walls. By the 1400s, the painting was very sophisticated and detailed, using multiple mediums to create color. Paint could be applied to walls, paper, board, or any other suitable surface. The term paint-covered various media, usually mixed with a binder and pigments of color, all applied with a brush, pen, finger, trowel, or other technique. Along with design and color, the media allowed the artist to create their visions of a scene, whether a tree, a person, or the sky.