Overview
Oceanic art and culture pertains to the creative efforts of the natives from Australia and the collection of the Pacific Islands, including Easter Island and Hawaii. With the prominence of male figures and the relevance of male initiation in several Oceanic societies, women seem to be a peripheral part of the culture. But, in reality, women have played a greater role in the Oceanic culture, especially by contributing to art. Historically, the artistic production of women was restricted to forms such as pottery, weaving, and barkcloth. Women were barkcloth makers in Polynesia and potters in New Guinea (Gardner & Kleiner, ...