The Pacific, 700–1980 ce

Bronze

Wood

Terracotta

Marble

Ceremonial clothing and gift wrap

Boat sails

Fishing nets

Cooking utensils

Illustrating technological evolution within wood carving practices across different oceanic cultures.

Highlighting unique religious symbols common amongst Oceanic societies despite geographic disparity.

Exploring economic impact of trade networks based upon artifactual exchanges between distinct island groups.

Demonstrating various representational strategies deployed by indigenous groups under foreign domination post-contact period.

Shell-inlay imparts a reflective quality that catches light, creating a dynamic interaction for the viewer of the art piece.

Incorporating shells shows that it was primarily intended as an exchanged currency between islands.

Design choice merely mimics traditional face-tattoos, disregarding the original pottery function and purposes.

Utilization of shelled embedments acts simply as a preservative measure against erosion over time.

Positioned randomly across the island as a reflection of chaotic societal structures.

Turned towards each other to represent communal discussions among ancestors.

Facing out to sea to guide fishermen safely back home to shore.

Overlooking the village to assert ancestral presence and protection over the community.

Used by priests exclusively during agricultural rituals, signifying religious authority.

Reserved for ali'i, indicating high rank and divine status.

Worn by commoners as everyday attire, reflecting accessibility.

Traded with European explorers as a sign of diplomatic equality.

Abstract

Geometric

Spiral

Floral

As ceremonial garments and gifts during important life events.

For everyday clothing due to their durability and easy maintenance.

For wrapping food items thanks to their absorbent qualities.

As sails for canoes because of their large size and lightweight nature.

The figures' large eyes emphasize the importance of foresight during periods of environmental uncertainty.

Their construction demonstrates early experimentation with surrealism long before its recognition in global art history narratives.

Moai serve primarily as navigational aids for ocean-going canoes due to their size and visibility from afar.

As ancestral figures, they solidify lineage claims and communal memory through their imposing presence and placement.

Tibetan monks

Indigenous Australian artists

Renaissance European painters

Navajo artists