Unit 9 Required Works

AP Art History: Unit 9 - The Pacific, 700–1980 CE Required Works Study Guide

📣Aloha, Kia Ora, Malo lelei, and welcome to the vibrant world of Pacific art! This study guide is your treasure map to navigating the artistic wonders of the Pacific Islands. From feathered capes to enigmatic stone heads, we've got it all. So grab your virtual surfboard and let's dive in!

Imagine dressing up like a superstar Hawaiian chief with a cape made entirely of vibrant bird feathers. The Ahu 'ula is no ordinary cape—it's basically the superhero costume for Hawaiian royalty. 🌈

These capes, created before 1850 CE, were made from the delicate feathers of the mamo, a small honeycreeper bird. They were sewn together using olona fiber, creating a stunning and regal garment often worn with a feathered helmet called mahiole. Each feather cape was a symbol of power and prestige, a must-have for any high-ranking ali’i. Think of it as the ancient Hawaiian version of a bespoke suit.

Meet the Pacific world's answer to Wonder Woman: the Female Deity figures from the Caroline Islands, Micronesia! These wooden statues, standing tall at 40.2 cm, were sculpted between the 18th and 19th centuries. They represented important akua or goddesses like Pele (volcanoes), Hina (moon), Laka (hula and dance), and Haumea (fertility and childbirth). These deities were believed to shower their worshippers with good luck, protection, and loads of abundance. 🌋🌕

Time to get crafty with some Pacific DIY! Hiapo is traditional Hawaiian tapa cloth that’s both an art piece and a spiritual object. Made from the bark of the wauke (paper mulberry) tree, this bark was pounded until paper-thin and decorated with geometric patterns, plant motifs, and animals. Between 1850 to 1900, these fascinating pieces were often used in ceremonies, sort of like rolling out the red carpet but way cooler because this one had ancient blessings attached. 🍃🎨

Hailing from Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, these Staff Gods could give Gandalf a run for his money. Wrapped in barkcloth and sometimes towering up to 396 cm, they were made from wood, decorated with feathers, and adorned with mulberry bark. These sacred sticks symbolizing spiritual power came with a suite of male deities and cultural coolness that showcased the patriarchal power structures prevalent in many Pacific Island societies. 🪵✨

Calling all fans of masquerade parties! Buk masks from the Torres Strait Islands are the ultimate blend of nature and craftsmanship. Mid to late 19th century artisans used materials like turtle shell, wood, cassowary feathers, resin, and shell to create these intricate masks. Often donned during traditional dances and ceremonies, Buk masks reflected the flora, fauna, and vibrant cultural motifs of their creators. The delicate inlays and carvings turn these masks into not just artifacts, but stories told through visual art. 🎭🐢

Say hello to Tamati Waka Nene, a Māori chief who could navigate tricky interactions between the Māori and European settlers as if he had a GPS for peace. Painted in 1890 by Gottfried Lindauer, this oil-on-canvas masterpiece encapsulates the strength and pride of a Māori warrior. Portraits of Tamati display his rank and status with symbols like traditional facial tattoos (moko), making the artwork a vivid record of New Zealand’s historical and cultural landscape. 🗺️🛡️

Before Google Maps, there were celestial maps! The navigation charts or rebbelibs from the Marshall Islands in Micronesia were clever tools made of wood and shells that detailed the vast Pacific Ocean. These 19th-century maps were like secret codes combining mythology, cosmology, and practical details, enabling Pacific Islanders to explore new territories, trade, and share cultures across great distances. 📜🌐

Even royalty can't resist a good cultural exchange. During her 1953–54 royal tour, Queen Elizabeth II received Fijian mats and tapa cloths made from pandanus leaves. This act wasn’t just a courtesy—it symbolized deep respect and showcased the rich Fijian textile traditions. The exchange illustrated how traditional practices transcend continents and foster understanding between cultures. 👑🧶

Ever built a city out of basalt rocks? Well, the Pacific Islanders did! Nan Madol, constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries in Micronesia, is a marvel of engineering and spiritual significance. This ruined city, built on a series of artificial islands, is a fascinating relic of ancient Pacific Islander culture and religious practices. 🏝️🗿

Easter Island's iconic moai statues never fail to spark curiosity. Carved between the 10th and 16th centuries, these statues were placed on platforms called ahu and represented the ancestors of the Rapa Nui people. While their purpose remains shrouded in mystery, their spiritual and ancestral significance is universally acknowledged. The intrigue continues to draw explorers and historians alike, eager to decode these monumental stone figures. 🗿🌅

Over in Papua New Guinea, Malagan ceremonies bring a whole new level of artistic flair to funerals. The Malagan display and mask involve intricate carvings and masks used to honor deceased ancestors. Originating in the 19th century, these ceremonies and their accompanying art forms continue to be pivotal in New Ireland culture. The elaborate designs carry rich cultural and spiritual symbolism, transforming mourning into a decorated farewell. 🎨💀

Ahu 'ula (feather cape): A traditional Hawaiian cape made of bird feathers, symbolizing power and prestige. Buk (mask): Wooden masks from the Torres Strait Islands used in ceremonies, featuring intricate designs and inlays. Gottfried Lindauer: A European painter known for his portraits of Māori people in New Zealand. Haumea: A Hawaiian goddess of fertility and childbirth, also associated with creation. Hiapo (tapa): Polynesian bark cloth made from mulberry tree bark, used for both practical and ceremonial purposes. Mahiole: A feathered helmet worn by Hawaiian chiefs, symbolizing their status. Malagan display and mask: Papua New Guinean ceremonial art form using carved masks and sculptures to honor the dead. Moai on platform (ahu): Iconic stone statues placed on platforms in Easter Island, representing ancestors. Nan Madol: An ancient city built on artificial islands in Micronesia, a hub for political and religious activities. Navigation chart (rebbelib): Maps made by Marshall Islands' seafarers from sticks and shells, representing islands and ocean currents. New Ireland: An island in Papua New Guinea known for its cultural heritage and intricate woodcarvings. Pohnpei: A Micronesian island with lush landscapes and rich cultural history. Rapa Nui (Easter Island): A remote island famous for its moai statues, created by the indigenous islanders. Rarotonga: The largest island in the Cook Islands, known for its natural beauty. Staff God: A reverential artifact from the Pacific, combining wood and spiritual elements. Tamati Waka Nene: A prominent Māori chief and leader who played a big role in New Zealand's history. Torres Strait Islands: Islands rich in culture, located between Australia and Papua New Guinea, known for their Buk masks. Wauke Tree: The source of mulberry bark, used to create traditional tapa cloth.

From the feathered capes of Hawaii to the stone statues of Easter Island, the art of the Pacific Islands is as diverse and captivating as the ocean itself. With each artifact telling a unique story, you are now equipped with the knowledge to navigate your way through Unit 9 of AP Art History. So go forth, explore, and conquer the test with the spirit of a Pacific adventurer! 🌺🌏🌊