A selection of articles and commentaries on Oceanic Art as well as similar topics.
I have attempted when necessary to contact the authors to obtain permission to show the articles. Alternatively there is a link to the external site hosting the article.
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Author: Mr Hugh Stevenson
The author examines shield collected in 1995 to discuss issues fundamental to the introduction of the art of emergent societies in an international art context. Issues such as the definition of art and aesthetics, art versus craft, function of art in the various contexts etc...
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This is an excerpt from the paper... (www.lotsofessays.com)
To explore New Guinea art forms merely as line and color, without reference to cultural and social norms out of which the art grew, would be a fool's errand, according to Thomas (9ff) because New Guinea artists not only express culture content but also appear to intend that their artworks help shape it. Similarly, Hatcher comments that "head-hunting and highly artistic ceremonies are clearly related in New Guinea; art does not function as a substitute for violence" (105; emphasis added). Thus decoration of skulls can be interpreted as effecting or expressing control. The iconography of wood shields and other wood carvings supplies
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