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Take a look at the British Museum’s Oceanic Art Collection online. Choose one piece from each of the following categories. Australia New Guinea Island Island Melanesia Polynesia Micronesia Once you have picked your pieces, answer the following questions about each piece. Name the piece and describe it in detail. Where did the piece originate? What was its purpose? In what medium was the piece created? Explain what it was about the piece that spoke to you or that you found particularly interesting. If you could ask the artist one question about the piece, what would it be? Sketch the piece or include an image of it for your instructor.

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I can’t browse the internet, but I can help you with a structure for how to present your findings based on your exploration of the British Museum's Oceanic Art Collection. Below is a template you can use to organize your information after you choose a piece from each specified category.

Piece from Australia

  • Name of the Piece: [Insert Name]
  • Description: [Provide a detailed description of the piece, including size, materials, figures represented, colors, and any significant markings or carvings.]
  • Origin: [Specify the Australian region or community the piece originated from.]
  • Purpose: [Explain what the piece was used for, whether it was ceremonial, decorative, or functional.]
  • Medium: [Identify the materials used, such as wood, stone, textiles, etc.]
  • Interesting Aspect: [Discuss what particularly drew you to this piece—was it the craftsmanship, its cultural significance, storytelling aspect, etc.?]
  • Question for the Artist: [Pose a thoughtful question you would like to ask the artist about their work or inspiration.]

Piece from New Guinea

  • Name of the Piece: [Insert Name]
  • Description: [Detailed description of the piece.]
  • Origin: [Specific region or community of New Guinea.]
  • Purpose: [Used for ceremonies, rituals, or decorative purposes?]
  • Medium: [Materials used in its creation.]
  • Interesting Aspect: [What fascinated you about this piece?]
  • Question for the Artist: [Your question for the artist.]

Piece from Island Melanesia

  • Name of the Piece: [Insert Name]
  • Description: [Detailed description of the piece.]
  • Origin: [Specific region or community in Island Melanesia.]
  • Purpose: [Purpose of the piece—ritualistic, functional, etc.?]
  • Medium: [Materials and method of creation.]
  • Interesting Aspect: [What resonated with you about this piece?]
  • Question for the Artist: [Your question for the artist.]

Piece from Polynesia

  • Name of the Piece: [Insert Name]
  • Description: [Detailed description of the piece.]
  • Origin: [Region or specific island in Polynesia.]
  • Purpose: [Purpose of the piece—cultural, ceremonial, etc.?]
  • Medium: [What materials were used?]
  • Interesting Aspect: [What aspects captured your interest?]
  • Question for the Artist: [Your question for the artist.]

Piece from Micronesia

  • Name of the Piece: [Insert Name]
  • Description: [Detailed description of the piece.]
  • Origin: [Specific region or community in Micronesia.]
  • Purpose: [Purpose of the piece—decorative, functional?]
  • Medium: [Materials used to create it.]
  • Interesting Aspect: [What drew your attention to this piece?]
  • Question for the Artist: [Your question for the artist.]

Conclusion

Once you've gathered your information, ensure to either sketch the pieces or include images if allowed, and make sure to cite the source if necessary. This format will help you build a well-rounded reflection on the pieces you select from the British Museum’s Oceanic Art Collection.