The distinctive designs reflecting the varied heritage of the Pacific cultures, including those of New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Micronesia, are featured in 100 pages of illustrations taken from the close observation of many types of artefact, ranging from pottery and wood carving to textiles. The introduction gives a brief history of the peoples of Oceania and their involvement with European traders and settlers, outlines the context of their decorative techniques and considers the themes and differences between regions.

The distinctive designs reflecting the varied heritage of the Pacific cultures, including those of New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Micronesia, are featured in 100 pages of illustrations taken from the close observation of many types of artefact, ranging from pottery and wood carving to textiles. The introduction gives a brief history of the peoples of Oceania and their involvement with European traders and settlers, outlines the context of their decorative techniques and considers the themes and differences between regions.

Rebecca Jewell studied social anthropology and has worked in the Department of Ethnography at the British Museum and at the Commonwealth Institute, London. She is completing a PhD in featherwork from the South Pacific and is the author of African Designs.

Jude Philp is a social anthropologist focusing on Melanesian Arts. She wrote her PhD on the material culture and history of the Torres Strait.

Map

Preface

Introduction

Notes on the Designs

Further Reading

THE DESIGNS