Polynesian Art

Some of the most beautiful refined forms both in their sculptures & utilitarian objects were made by Polynesian people and I think you will agree as you look at some of their artworks here.

Polynesia is comprised of many islands in the Pacific Ocean within a triangular area bound by Hawaii, New Zealand, and Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Polynesia includes the Islands of Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa, Fiji, Uvea, Futuna, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Niue, and Rotuma Society Islands, French Polynesia (including Tahiti), the Marquesas, Austral Islands, Tuamotu Islands, the Cook Islands, Chatham Islands, Rapa Nui or Easter Island

There are also Polynesian outliers that include islands that are technically outside of the Polynesian triangle but are culturally related to Polynesia:  Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi, Tikopia, Anuta, Rennell, Bellona, Nukumanu, Sikaiana, Ontong Java.

The Polynesian islands share linguistic and cultural similarities, although the material expression of each island group is different.

The shared concepts of mana and tapu, community and prestige, and genealogy, concepts that govern the aesthetic structures and use of objects. Mana is supernatural power that moves within and through people, time, and objects.