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Which Pacific regions are included in Oceanic art and architecture?
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Oceanic art and architecture
An Aboriginal Australian decorating a tightly woven dilly bag with white, yellow, and ochre (red) paints, Northern Territory, Australia, 1948.
Oceanic art and architecture encompasses the visual arts and architectural traditions of native Oceania, a region defined by its vast geographic spread and cultural diversity. The study of these arts generally includes the following major culture areas:12
- Polynesia: This area includes island groups such as New Zealand, Easter Island, Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and the Society Islands.23
- Melanesia: This region includes areas such as New Guinea, New Ireland, and Papua.4
- Micronesia: This cultural region is also included in the broader scope of Oceanic arts.2
- Australia: The artistic traditions of Australian Aborigines are also considered part of the Oceanic arts.2
Additionally, the category includes "Polynesian outliers"—small populations living within Melanesia and Micronesia (such as in the Caroline, Solomon, and Vanuatu groups) who maintain cultural and artistic ties to Polynesia. Because these regions are separated by vast distances, they have developed a rich variety of distinct artistic styles and architectural forms.52