Art of the Pacific

The Art of the Pacific online collection comprises 5 objects.

About the Collection

Covering one-third of the earth’s surface and touching the shores of five continents, the Pacific Ocean contains thousands of inhabited islands that are commonly divided into several regions based on language and historical connections. As a cultural area, the Pacific is commonly divided into three sub-regions: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Traditional Oceanic art is firmly rooted in religion and cultural values. The range of the Museum’s holdings, from elaborate, hand-carved ritual objects to highly-wrought decorative artifacts, suggests the diversity of the art of these distinct, yet related, cultures. The Museum has exceptionally chosen to allow access on this site both the Oceanic works in the permanent collection and those generously placed on long-term loan by Valerie Franklin, a selection of which is always on view.