Bradshaw style
Quick Summary
The Bradshaw style, originating in northwestern Australia, is an early form of rock art characterized by small human figures, predominantly in red. This style is believed to date from before 3000 BCE. It is succeeded by the Wandjina style, which depicts ancestor spirits with large white figures outlined in black, featuring mouthless, circular faces framed by red, rayed halos.1
Oceanic arts encompass the literary, performing, and visual arts of the Pacific Islands, including Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. The vast isolation of these island clusters has fostered a rich diversity of artistic styles. While intercultural exchange occurs, borrowed artifacts often gain new functions and value in their new settings. Religious symbolism deeply influences Oceanic art, with craftsmanship being a primary criterion for judgment. Art serves various functions, such as reinforcing social status, propitiating deities, and celebrating community events.2
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