Unit 9 Required Works

Daniel Miller
11 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers Art of the Pacific from Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia, focusing on the diverse cultures, materials (wood, feathers, shells, fibers), functions (ritual, ceremonial, social), and ancestral connections in art. Specific artworks are detailed, including Ahu 'ula, Moai, Malagan masks, and tapa. Key themes include power, spirituality, cultural exchange, navigation, and ancestral veneration, connecting to other units like Global Prehistory and Early Europe. The guide also provides practice questions and exam tips covering multiple-choice, short answer, and free-response formats.
#AP Art History: Unit 9 - Global Contemporary: The Pacific π
Hey there, future art historian! Let's get you prepped for Unit 9. This is your ultimate guide, designed to make everything click, even the night before the exam. We'll cover the key artworks, connect the dots, and get you feeling confident. Let's dive in!
#9.1: Art of the Pacific πΏ
#Key Concepts
- Diverse Cultures: The Pacific region includes Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia, each with unique artistic traditions.
Remember: Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia - PMM like a radio station!
Think of the environment influencing the art!
It's not just about aesthetics; it's about meaning and purpose!
Keep an eye out for ancestor worship!
#Required Works
- Ahu 'ula (Feather Cape)
- Female Deity
- Hiapo (tapa)
- Staff god
- Buk (mask)
- Tamati Waka Nene
- Navigation chart
- Presentation of Fijian mats and tapa cloths to Queen Elizabeth II
- Nan Madol
- Moai on platform (ahu)
- Malagan display and mask
Practice Question
Multiple Choice Questions
-
Which of the following materials is MOST commonly used in the creation of traditional Pacific Island art? (A) Marble (B) Bronze (C) Wood (D) Concrete
-
What is the primary function of the Ahu 'ula (feather cape) in Hawaiian culture? (A) Everyday wear (B) Symbol of power and prestige (C) Burial shroud (D) Religious offering
Short Answer Question
Briefly explain the significance of the use of local materials in Pacific Island art. Provide one example from the required works to support your answer.
Free Response Question
Analyze how cultural exchange is represented in the "Presentation of Fijian mats and tapa cloths to Queen Elizabeth II." How does this artwork reflect the interaction between different cultures? Use specific details from the image and your knowledge of Pacific Island art to support your response.
Scoring Breakdown for FRQ
- Thesis (1 point): A clear, defensible thesis statement that addresses the prompt.
- Analysis of Cultural Exchange (2 points): Discussion of the significance of the exchange of mats and tapa cloths, and how it reflects the interaction between Fijian and British cultures. Specific details from the image and knowledge of Pacific Island art should be included.
- Supporting Evidence (2 points): Use of specific details from the image, such as the type of textiles, the setting, and the individuals involved to support the analysis.
- Contextualization (1 point): Explanation of the historical and cultural context of the exchange, such as the role of the British monarchy in the Pacific and the importance of traditional textiles in Fijian culture.
#9.2: Artworks in Detail π
#Ahu 'ula (Feather Cape)
- What: A Hawaiian feather cape worn by royalty (ali'i).
Think: Royal feathers = Royal power!
Remember this for the exam!

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