The term ethnic refers to a race or large group of people following a common racial, national, religious, linguistic, or cultural heritage. It also refers to a particular race or group of people possessing a typical culture which is entirely distinct from the main usual culture of a particular country. The term ethnic was once used to indicate Egyptian, African, Mesoamerican, and other non-Christian communities. Exoticism, inscrutability and other elements were also implied by the term. The term ethnic is used in a broad sense to include art works of non- western communities. Ethnic art may refer to the art of indigenous people making use of traditional methods and aesthetics. The purpose of ethnic art may usually be functional or ritual.