The Oceanic collection consists of works by artists living in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. They date to the late nineteenth and early to mid-twentieth century. The majority are from Melanesia, a group of islands northeast of Australia that includes New Guinea. Melanesian works are often expressive, characterized by bold carving, bright colors, and the incorporation of shells, fibers, and other natural materials in dramatic juxtapositions. Among the highlights are a wooden helmet mask from Witu Island, a basketry mask from the Sulka peoples of New Britain, and works from the Sepik River and Lake Sentani regions of New Guinea. Other works originated in Polynesia, the vast Pacific region bounded by New Zealand, Hawaii, and Easter Island. The Polynesian objects restrained, monochromatic, and characterized by delicate surface patterns include a Maori treasure box and feeding funnel from New Zealand, and a few objects from the Marquesas Islands, among them an elegant stilt step. The collection reflects the vision and commitment of William E. and the late Bertha L. Teel, who generously donated most of these works. The collection will grow in the future to include art from Indonesia, Micronesia and Australia, other important Oceanic regions.
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