The origin of Oceanic Art can be traced back to ancient cultures of the Pacific Ocean. The first ships sailed into Oceania in 1527, bringing colonization and trade. The first voyages also brought primitive artworks from Oceania to Europe. Although they remained ephemeral for thousands of years, these works soon became highly prized, especially in European museums. Modern collections of Oceanic art can be found in the MET and Denver Art Museum. These pieces are made from traditions and techniques that date back millennia.

The earliest Oceanic sculptures and drawings were created by Polynesians. This primitive art had a mission of expressing the collective feelings of the group. The Melanesian worldview viewed the world without distinction and the living must protect themselves against the jealousy of the dead. This fear translates into the creation of paintings and other works of art by Oceanic artists. Moreover, the carvings on the Necker Island are the best-preserved examples of Oceanic art.

Another example of Oceanic art is the Spirit Mask for night-dancing. A mid-century artist created a Melanesian mask using bark-cloth, cane, and fiber. A similar artist created a Woman's Vest from a South Sudanese t-shirt. These two pieces are considered masterpieces of contemporary Oceanic art. There are also several other examples of modern Oceanic art that are worthy of further exploration.

The most famous pieces of Oceanic art are primarily made of wood and represent the gods and deities of the oceans. These pieces are often part of a larger object. However, other types of Oceanic art are made of stone, metal, and glass. Many of these works include weapons and jewellery. Most of them have a spiritual side. Despite its vast size, most are made from stone or coral and are very intricate.

Other examples of Oceanic art are moai kavakava, which are large statues with many faces. These statues are considered macabre and depict old men. Other artifacts have a religious role and are often found in ruins. In many instances, these objects are not just works of art, but are part of a culture. They can be a source of pride for the people who created them.

Classical Oceanic cultures dominated the Pacific Ocean for 3 millennia. They developed navigational systems and honoured their seafaring ancestors with sculpture and other works of art. They favored the use of natural pigments, especially in the form of beads and shells. They also used textiles and wooden figures. The ancient people of Oceania rediscovered their artistic heritage, and their works are still preserved today.

There are many museums displaying Oceanic art. Some of these include the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum in Jakarta. Others include the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, the Art Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, and the Queensland Art Gallery in Perth. Find oceanic artworks in upcoming oceanic art auction on skinner.com.