Oceania

The ancestors of modern-day Pacific Cultures came to the regions of Polynesia, Micronesia, Australia, and Melanesia in two distinct waves, from 38,000 BCE to 1500 BCE.

Aboriginal Australian art can be traced back at least 30,000 years and is one of the longest continuously practiced artistic traditions in the world.

With its diverse cultural heritage, the island of New Guinea holds some of the most striking art in all of Oceania.

New Ireland, a large island in Melanesia, is most known for its elaborate wooden carvings used in traditional rituals and ceremonies.

The Caroline Islands boast a rich history of traditional art, including elaborate wood carvings, sculptures, textiles, and ornaments.

The Cook and Marquesas Islands, located in the South Pacific, are known for their woodcarving, weaving, quilts, and tattooing.

Easter Island is famous for its monumental statues, called moai, created by the early Rapa Nui people.

Traditional New Zealand art consists of the art of the Māori people, who first settled the island between 1250-1300 CE.

Hawaiian art can be divided into pre-European art, non-native art, and art produced by Hawaiians incorporating western ideas.

The Pacific Arts Festival celebrates the arts of indigenous cultures in the Oceanic region.