(TPA) Module Overview

The Pacific Arts

Artistic depiction of an Easter Island Head

Introduction

Oceanic art refers to the artworks made by the native peoples of the Pacific Islands and Australia, including areas as far apart as Hawaii and Easter Island. The artistic creations vary greatly throughout the cultures and regions, but subject matter typically carries themes of fertility or the supernatural. Masks were used in religious ceremonies or social rituals. Petroglyphs, tattooing, painting, woodcarving, stone carving and textile work are other common art forms.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

      • Why and how does art change?
      • How do we describe our thinking about art?
      • How does religion influence art and architecture?
      • How has art been utilized to foster political beliefs?
      • Is art a reflection of its culture or a force to form or shape culture?

 

Key Terms

In this module, we will study the following key terms:

  1. Ahu: An ahu is a stone platform on which moai were placed. Ahu marked burial sites or were used for ceremonial purposes.
  2. 'Ahu 'ula: An 'ahu 'ula is a Hawaiian feather cloak.
  3. Moai: A moai is a large, blocky figural stone sculpture found on Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
  4. Pou Tokomanawa: A pou tokomanawa is a sculpture of an ancestor that supports a ridge pole of a Maori meetinghouse.
  5. Pukao: A pukao is a small red scoria cylinder that appears as a hat on moai.
  6. Tapa: A tapa is bark cloth made particularly in Polynesia. Tapa is often dyed, painted, stenciled, and sometimes perfumed.

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