INSCRIPTIONS
65
museums. With only a few exceptions, all of these
have at least a few objects that are comparable if not
identical. This is not necessarily negative, as long as
it is recognized that the value of these artworks lies in
that they illustrate the final moments of cultural autonomy
in the Pacific Islands prior to evangelization
and/or European colonization, among many other
aspects surrounding the contacts that transformed
this unique world. They are the result of hundreds
if not thousands of years of history, but rather than
being a true reflection of this antiquity, they instead
represent their final phase.
Finally, it is customary to classify these cultural
vestiges as artistic expression. In truth, we know
little about the islanders’ perception of art in the
past, but the aesthetic qualities of their creations
are undeniable and fascinating. Masks, weapons,
architectural elements, and representations of gods,
ancestors, and spirits were all used by the various
FIG. 7 (above):
Anthropomorphic pendant,
hei tiki. New Zealand/
Aotearoa. 18th century.
Nephrite.
Musées Royaux d’Art et d’Histoire,
inv. ET.1652.
FIG. 8 (right): Canoe prow.
Solomon Islands.
Early 20th century.
Wood, shell, mother of pearl.
Musée Royal de l’Afrique Centrale,
inv. EO.1979.1.1382.