The Hawaiian and Tahitian people called it “mana,” the energy and power that is felt to dwell in objects and places. It is the magical quality beyond sheer beauty or utility that so many examples from ancient and modern cultures the world over possess. Our art spans thousands of years, from the pre-Inca culture of Peru, the pre-Aztec and pre-Colombian cultures of the Americas, and the Bactrian empire of Afghanistan, to relatively recent times. In the hands of accomplished artists, even modern pieces can display fresh and vibrant artforms.