These Polynesian art objects are fascinating for exemplifying the role of Polynesian bodily ornamentation generally, besides being visually appealing and skillfully crafted. I hope to be able to compare the way they have each functioned historically within the context of a social matrix. Read more
The first object is the “Male Figure, Moai Kavakava”, a wooden figurative sculpture of a tall slender man in a standing position with his hands at his side and knees slightly bent. Read more
Barkcloth figures from Rapa Nui are rare. One of these is a humanoid figure that unlike many other Polynesian sculptural forms (tikis), is seated with its knees bent in front of the body and arms are lifted and pointed outward as well (Kaeppler 2003, 17). This figure’s features are from humans and animals. Read more
The Tongan female figure, presented in the thumbnail picture above, is recorded to have been acquired sometime during the 18th century. It was associated with the Ha’apai Island Group in Tonga (Indiana University Art Museum 2002). Read more
The Totokia and the U’u are both war clubs developed in different islands in Polynesia. The totokia was built on Fiji while the U’u was a product of the Marquesan Islands. Both clubs were seen as essential items for warriors and chiefs on these islands. Although these clubs differ in many ways, there are some similarities in the way each club was Read more
Competition for resources among the numerous chiefdoms in Polynesia made warfare commonplace. The populations of these societies, including those on Fiji and Cook Islands, were well known for making unique weaponry. I chose the Pole Club and Beaked Battle Hammer as objects to examine because they are prime examples of the time and effort that would have been put into weaponry. Read more
Mana represents the major force in Polynesian cultures, flowing throughout the world and between people, becoming infused in objects, passed down through generations, and determining power structures. Cultural practices, such as the concept of tapu, revolve around this concept of mana preservation, accrual, and loss. Read more
In this summary, I will compare and contrast two figures that originated from Easter Island and Rapanui culture: a double-headed female figure (moai aringa) and a carving of a mother and child. I chose these objects because they are rare and there is debate surrounding them. There are many possible Read more
In this summary I consider two artworks from the Māori culture. Whether identified by their formal characteristics or where they were found, each piece tells a different story, emits a certain spiritual significance, and serves a specific purpose. Read more
The human body is represented in several forms with subtle as well as distinctive variations between the islands of Polynesia. The symbol of the human body points to the accumulation and reservation of mana, the value of genealogy, and the display of family lineage. Read more
Warfare stems from a when a culture, society, or nation is unable to coexist together with others peacefully. Using the available resources and technology that are prevalent, weapons were able to be made efficiently. Many different types of weapons were constructed and each had a different structure that was associated with its purpose. War clubs, also known as U’U in the Marquesas Islands, were mainly constructed Read more
