Oceania: Art and Material Culture
This course will introduce the art and
material culture of the inhabitants of one
third of the surface of the Earth—Oceania—
focusing on their encounters with incoming
peoples from other parts of the world from
the eighteenth century onwards, notably
those of European origin. These encounters
had far-reaching consequences for all
concerned, including changes in the uses of
materials, social organization, religious
practices, and governance. The work of the
seminar will include the investigation of
Oceanian items in New York museums. Three
weeks will be devoted to each of four
themes. We begin with “The Importance of
Place,” proceed to “Materials and
Techniques,” followed by “Cultural
Encounters,” and conclude with “Challenges
for Museums.” All four themes will address
art and material culture from Melanesia,
Micronesia, and Polynesia. 3 credits.
Satisfies the geocultural requirement.