The Pacific
The Pacific Ocean takes up half the total expanse of sea in the world. Scattered across this vast area are collections of islands which are divided into the three culture groups known as Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. The inhabitants of all the islands were much affected by commercial exploitation and missionary activity during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Pacific collection provides interesting insights into the lifestyle and customs of the people and contains irreplaceable examples of native craftsmanship. Modern inhabitants of the islands have great pride in the works of their ancestors.
Image: The Maori of New Zealand valued greenstone or nephrite which was found only on South Island. This large greenstone tiki has paua shell eyes and would have been worn by a Maori nobleman or his wife, 19th century. Donated by Mrs F. Sykes, 1933.
Highlights/Objects of Desire Online Tour (Neck Ornament from Hawaii)