Which ancient artistic traditions influenced Henry Moore’s sculpture?

Henry Moore’s sculptural style was significantly shaped by his rejection of traditional European artistic standards in favor of "primitive" and archaic art, which he studied extensively in London museums, particularly the British Museum.1

His work was deeply influenced by several ancient traditions:

• Ancient Mexican Sculpture: This was arguably the most profound influence on his early career. After seeing a plaster cast of a Mayan Chac Mool in Paris, Moore became fascinated by its power, three-dimensional depth, and originality. He adapted the reclining figure motif from this tradition to create his own earthy, rhythmic representations of women.2
• Egyptian and Etruscan Art: Moore was drawn to the power and beauty found in these ancient sculptural traditions, which helped him move away from conventional European aesthetics.1
• Pre-Columbian and African Sculpture: Alongside Egyptian and Etruscan works, these traditions provided Moore with a source of inspiration for the formal qualities he sought to achieve in his own carvings.1
• Ancient Greek Art: Later in his career, a 1951 visit to Greece—specifically to Athens, Mycenae, and Delphi—influenced his work, notably appearing in his depictions of warriors and figures like King and Queen.3