Timelines of World Art: Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
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16,000 BC–7000 BC |
Paintings found in shallow caves in Arnhem Land in northern Australia of kangaroos, fish and supernatural beings employ the so-called 'X-ray' style, in which the internal organs and bones are depicted. These images are among the earliest and most distinctive forms of Aborginal art and continue to be produced today. Read more... |
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c. 4000 BC |
Legend tells that the ancient wall depictions of the Aboriginal Rainbow Serpent at Wirlin-gunyang in Australia were painted by the deities themselves at the end of their journey inland. Read more... |
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1600 BC–1500 BC |
Some of the earliest known examples of sculpture produced in Oceania are stone mortars, pestles and free-standing figures carved in the forms of humans, animals and birds. Although their original function is not certain they are now associated with cults of warfare and fertility. Read more... |
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c. 1400 BC–c. 1200 BC |
The Lapita culture produces pottery in many shapes but characterized by distinctive stamped patterns. Spreading to a large number of Pacific Islands, this type of pottery exerts a long-lasting influence on later types of wares. Read more... |
