This book (vol. 1 of 2) not only enlarges understanding of Oceanic art history and Oceanic collections in important ways, but also enables new reflections upon museums and ways of undertaking work in and around them.

Art from Oceania, the region encompassing the islands of the central and south Pacific, spans hundreds of distinct artistic processes, formats, and mediums. Many people's exposure to Oceanic art comes through its influence on the work of European artists, and therefore Oceanic works themselves often remain difficult for Western viewers to interpret and comprehend. "How to Read Oceanic Art, "the third book in a series of guides to understanding different artistic genres, helps elucidate this subject through explanation of specific objects. The book analyzes the most illustrative Oceanic pieces from the Metropolitan Museum's collection--including lively painted masks, powerful figurines, and intricately carved wooden poles--which together represent the extraordinary diversity of artistic traditions in the region. Attractive photography and clear, engaging texts explain how and why various works were made as well as how they were used. This publication is an invaluable resource for art historical study, and also an important gateway to wider appreciation of Oceanic heritage and visual culture.

From New Guinea to New Zealand, Easter Island to Hawaii, the Pacific region known as Oceania has long excited the Western imagination, but its traditional sculptures, pots and paintings have only recently been studied and appreciated as fine art. While much about these works and the cultures that produced them remains mysterious, we do know that most items were created for use in daily life rather than as products for the art market. Nonetheless, their beauty and craftsmanship elevate the best of them to objects of contemplation and wonder. This catalogue presents some 80 Oceanic works of art, each illustrated with its form and function described. Michael Gunn's introduction places the works in context; Christraud Geary discusses provenance; and contextual photographs throughout show many of the objects in situ, aiding in a growing understanding of these intriguing but still elusive works, and adding to the scholarship on, and interest in, Oceania.

An engaging explanation of Oceanic art and an important gateway to wider appreciation of Oceanic heritage and visual culture

A documentary section about the principal cultural groups of the region provides an essential reference. An excellent map adds further value.