Polynesia

Samoan Chiefs with tattoos, lavalavas, pandanus leis and walking sticks, Apia , Samoa l996

This collection came from South Point on the Big Island, an area of early and continued Hawaiian settlement. Canoes and fishing were and are a major part of life in this district. Sir Peter Buck and William T Brigham, former directors of he Bishop Museum have illustrated and described similar artifacts from the collection in their publications.

Polynesian art is characterized by three dimensional forms that vary from simple to complex. Figures are often solid with bent legs and exaggerated eyes and mouths. Elaborate surface ornamentationion as expressed by tattooing on the human body,and designs on tapa and wood are also typical.

Examples and field photographs