Ancient Mesoamerican and Andean region civilizations believed in cults of gods that displayed both human and animal traits. These gods became symbols of the behaviors valued by the people of ancient America.

For example, the god whose body stretches over this Nazca ceramic vessel has a face that is both human and catlike. His spiky fins recall those of a shark or killer whale.

The Nazca people knew that felines and killer whales were fierce predators at the top of the food chain. The ruling Nazca warrior class associated itself with the images and characteristics of these powerful creatures as it expanded and defended Nazca land.

Steps:

1. Choose an animal with whom you share certain qualities. If you like to swim, for example, pick an animal that enjoys the water. If you enjoy running, choose a fast land animal, such as the jackrabbit.
   
   
2. Use a pencil, watercolors, and paper to create a composition that combines animal traits with your own self-portrait (see example A).
   
   
3. If you’d like, make an ancient American pot by wrapping your painting around a cardboard cylinder and taping the ends (see example B).