Our knowledge of the ancient and primitive civilizations is based largely upon the objects which have survived. All such objects are indicative, in some way, of the life pursued by particular societies, and their purpose, whether religious, utilitarian, personal or purely decorative, is an aid to the understanding of the cultures concerned. This book provides, in ready-reference form, a survey of ancient, Oriental and primitive art and artefacts. Antiquities from ancient Greece and Rome and the Near East to the end of the 5th century A.D. form only a part of this guide. Oriental objects from prehistory to the first centuries A.D. are included, as are those from the pre-Columbian civilizations of Central and South America. The way of life of primitive peoples - the Eskimos, African tribes and Pacific Islanders, Aborigines and Maoris - is also explained. The entries range from tools, weapons, jewellery and masks to architecture, sculpture and religion, giving a comprehensive picture of the cultural and artistic heritage of past civilizations and peoples. This is a comprehensive guide to the antiquities of the world, and it includes a study of the following civilizations and peoples: Aborigine, Ashanti, Aztec, Balkan, Benin, Bronze Age, Buddhist, Byzantine, Celtic, Chinese, Copper Age, Druids, Egyptian, Eskimos, Etruscan, Germanic, Greek, Hebrew, Hindu, Hittite, Ibo, Ice Age, Indian, Indonesian, Iron Age, Islamic, Japanese, Korean, Lapp, Maori, Mayan, Megalithic, Minoan, Mycenean, Navaho, New Guinea, Nordic, Olmec, Persian, Phoenician, Polynesian, Pueblo, Roman, Slavic, Stone Age, Sumerian, Tantric, Taoist, Tibetan, Toltec, Viking, Zen.