Comprising thousands of islands and hundreds of cultural groups,
Polynesia and Micronesia cover a large part of the vast Pacific Ocean,
from the dramatic mountains of Hawaii to the small, flat coral islands
of Kiribati. The Pacific Arts of Polynesia and Micronesia offers a
superb introduction to the rich artistic traditions of these two
regions, traditions that have had a considerable impact on modern
western art through the influence of artists such as Gauguin. After an
introduction to Polynesian and Micronesian art separately, the book
focuses on the artistic types, styles, and concepts shared by the two
island groups, thereby placing each in its wider cultural context. From
the textiles of Tonga to the canoes of Tahiti, Adrienne Kaeppler sheds
light on religious and sacred rituals and objects, carving,
architecture, tattooing, personal ornaments, basket-making, clothing,
textiles, fashion, the oral arts, dance, music and musical
instruments--even canoe-construction--to provide
the ultimate introduction to these rich and vibrant cultures. Each
chapter begins with a quote from an indigenous person from one of the
island areas covered in the book and features both historic and
contemporary works of art. A timeline for migration into the Pacific
includes the latest information from archaeology, as well as the influx
of explorers and missionaries and important exhibitions and other
artistic events. With more than one hundred illustrations--most in full
color--this volume offers a stimulating and insightful account of two
dynamic artistic cultures.
