Exhibition

Curated by the HUM’s Collections Manager Kristy L. Caratzola, this visually stunning exhibition showcases a rarely seen and extraordinary aspect of the HUM collections. The exhibit offers a range of ethnographic artworks and objects created by members of the distinct regional communities of the South Pacific including ancestral figures, ceremonial masks, warrior shields, and ritualized practical objects crafted from natural materials sourced from sacred sites within the territory of each individual culture.  The exhibit also includes sophisticated wooden sculptures carved and painted by revered artists, which serve to express complex ideological beliefs through stylized human and animal forms complemented with colorful, abstract geometric designs.  The vital connection between humans and ancestral spirits and their active role in providing guidance and protection are essential concepts shared among many Oceanic cultures and are defining characteristics of Melanesian art.

View interactive PDF of Exhibition Catalog

Additional exhibition funding has been provided by Astoria Federal Savings.

Press Release: “Spirit and Identity” ~ HUM Exhibit of Melanesian Works

Image

Oceanic, Melanesian, Abelam peoples Papua New Guinea, Middle Sepik River, Maprik Region Nggwalndu Figure, 20th century Wood, pigment 49.5 x 9.5 x 9in., Hofstra University Museum Collections, Gift of Cedric H. Marks HU 73.83

Exhibition Recepation and Curator's Talk
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
4-5:30 pm
David Filderman Gallery, Ninth Floor, Axinn Library, South Campus

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Global Explorations at the Hofstra University Museum
Friday, February 21 and June 20, 2014
2-3 pm
David Filderman Gallery, Ninth Floor, Axinn Library, South Campus

Second Saturdays:
Mask It!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
1:30-2:30 pm
David Filderman Gallery, Ninth Floor, Axinn Library, South Campus

Second Saturdays:
Shield It!
Saturday, April 12, 2014
1:30-2:30 pm
David Filderman Gallery, Ninth Floor, Axinn Library, South Campus