Glossary
Ceremonial Use
The function of an artwork as an integral component of rituals, ceremonies, or sacred practices within a culture.
Example:
A meticulously carved mask might be worn during a specific initiation rite, highlighting its crucial ceremonial use in the community.
Connection to Nature
A profound relationship and reverence for the natural world, frequently expressed through the incorporation of motifs from the sea, land, and sky in artworks.
Example:
The intricate patterns on a Fijian tapa cloth often feature designs inspired by local flora and fauna, demonstrating a deep connection to nature.
Geographic Isolation
The state of being separated from other regions by vast distances, leading to the development of unique, localized cultural and artistic styles.
Example:
The distinct geographic isolation of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) meant its monumental moai sculptures evolved without significant external artistic influences.
Late Inhabitation
Refers to the relatively recent settlement of the Pacific Islands by humans compared to other major world regions.
Example:
The late inhabitation of Remote Oceania meant that its artistic traditions developed independently for a shorter period before encountering external influences.
Melanesia
A subregion of Oceania located north and east of Australia, including New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji, characterized by diverse languages and rich ceremonial art.
Example:
The elaborate malagan sculptures from New Ireland are a prominent example of the complex funerary art found in Melanesia.
Micronesia
A subregion of Oceania comprising thousands of small islands in the western Pacific, known for diverse cultural practices and artistic traditions.
Example:
The intricate navigation charts made of sticks and shells from the Marshall Islands are a unique artistic and practical innovation from Micronesia.
Narrative Art
Art that tells a story, often conveying cultural values, historical events, or mythological beliefs through visual means.
Example:
A narrative art piece might depict the ancestral journey of a people across the ocean, with each carved figure representing a significant moment or ancestor.
Near Oceania
The western part of Oceania, including New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands, which were settled earlier due to their closer proximity to Asia.
Example:
The ancient Lapita culture, known for its distinctive pottery, originated in Near Oceania before expanding further into the Pacific.
Polynesia
A subregion of Oceania encompassing a vast triangle of islands from Hawaii in the north to New Zealand in the southwest and Easter Island in the southeast, sharing linguistic and cultural similarities.
Example:
The iconic moai statues of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) are among the most recognizable artistic achievements of Polynesia.
Polynesian Migration
A series of extensive voyages and settlements by Polynesian peoples across the vast Pacific Ocean, leading to the inhabitation of islands from Hawaii to New Zealand.
Example:
The double-hulled canoes used during the Polynesian Migration were marvels of ancient navigation, allowing for incredible journeys across open water.
Remote Oceania
The eastern part of Oceania, encompassing islands like Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Polynesia, settled later and requiring more advanced navigation.
Example:
The monumental architecture of Nan Madol in Micronesia is a significant example of complex societies that developed in Remote Oceania.
Syncretism
The blending of different cultural traditions, especially in religion or art, resulting in new forms that combine elements from multiple sources.
Example:
While less common due to isolation, some later Pacific artworks show syncretism where Christian iconography is subtly incorporated into traditional carving styles.
Westernization
The process by which societies adopt or are influenced by Western culture, often involving changes in religion, economy, language, and artistic practices.
Example:
The introduction of Christianity during Westernization led to the decline of traditional religious art forms in some Pacific island communities.