OSHER 894 - Islands of the Pacific

The islands of the Pacific Ocean have traditionally been divided by anthropologists and historians into distinct regions with each area defined by cultural similarities and shared art forms. Within each of these areas, however, there also exists a diversity of environments and social systems that affect artistic expression. Art objects were created as visual histories illustrating social and religious beliefs. Even those objects created for daily use included symbols based on religious beliefs. While the materials and forms of the art vary from each island group, they all exhibit expertise in technique, brilliance of design, and aesthetic beauty.