Micronesian Art

Micronesia is one of the three major culture areas of the Pacific. It is comprised of 2,500 islands located in the north Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and Japan.

The region, consisting of mostly low-lying coral atolls, has a combined population of around 200,000 people. Despite the fact that the islands are scattered across 8 million square kilometres of ocean, a distinctive Micronesian style does exist with elegant refined forms in both sculpture and utilitarian objects such are their bowls.  Micronesian artworks are some of the most beautiful serene sculptures ever made.

Many of the names of the Islands from colonial times have changed and are now referred to as the Federated States of Micronesia divided into four states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae.  Yap used to be known as the Caroline Islands

Ancestor figures usually in a squatting position with stylized facial features these figures embodies the spare, minimalist approach to the human form typical of the sculptural traditions of the Caroline Islands of Micronesia.

Tapuana Masks found in the Mortlock group of islands, these refined minimalist masks with narrow eye-slits represented an important ancestor and they were used as ornaments in the ceremonial house and sometimes in boat houses. The ceremonial house was the location of performances by members of a secret society, in which the god of wind was appeased to protect the breadfruit crops from hurricanes and storms. The ceremony took place in March or April, and included dancing and feasting.

Objects associated with canoes and the ocean include Navigation Stick Charts and Weather Charms both of which were associated with long ocean voyages. Stick charts were originally used as navigational maps, showing the location of different islands, and the patterns created by waves and currents.