Includes bibliographical references (pages 163-176) and index.

Introduction to Polynesian and Micronesian art -- Artistic visions, rituals, and sacred containers -- Aesthetics, carving, metaphor, and allusion -- Genealogical connections: the texts of textiles -- Adorning the adorned: tattoo, ornaments, clothing, fashion -- Ritual spaces, cultural landscapes: space, and the aesthetic environment.

"The Pacific Ocean covers one-third of the earth's surface. Comprising thousands of islands and hundreds of cultural groups, Polynesia and Micronesia cover a large part of this vast ocean, from the dramatic mountains of Hawaii to the small, flat coral islands of Kiribati. Including both traditional and contemporary arts, this book introduces the rich artistic traditions of these two regions, traditions that have had a considerable impact on western art in the twentieth century through the influence of major artists such as Paul Gauguin." "Instead of looking at Polynesia and Micronesia separately, the book focuses on the artistic types, styles, and concepts that they share. From the textiles of Tonga to the canoes of Tahiti, Adrienne Kaeppler looks at religious and sacred rituals and objects, sculpture, architecture, tattoo, personal ornaments, basket-making, clothing, textiles, fashion, the oral arts, dance, music and musical instruments - even canoe-construction - to provide an introduction to the rich and vibrant artistic cultures of the Polynesian and Micronesian islands."--Jacket.