AP Art History : Oceanian Sculpture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Oceanian Sculpture

The large statues made from volcanic ash known as moai are found on __________.

Possible Answers:

Easter Island

the Hawaiian Islands

Christmas Island

Samoa

Correct answer:

Easter Island

Explanation:

The moai of Easter Island are the small eastern Polynesian Island's most famous monuments, 887 statues with giant heads that are placed all around the island. While sharing much in common with other Polynesian sculpture, the remoteness of Easter Island and its intense tribal warfare make these symbolic monuments to ancestors larger and more stylized than other similar pieces of art.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Oceanian Sculpture

What were the feathered capes (or cloaks) worn by Hawaiian noble men called?

Possible Answers:

'i'iwi cape

garments of the gods

nobility cape

'ahu'ula

 olona

Correct answer:

'ahu'ula

Explanation:

The cloaks were called 'ahu'ula. These were capes made of red, yellow, and black feathers. They were worn during both ceremonies and battles. 

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About Oceanian Sculpture

The Malangan figures were not involved in ___________.

Possible Answers:

birthing rituals

affirming clan group identities

honoring the dead

negotiating land rights

Correct answer:

birthing rituals

Explanation:

The Malangan figures were single use sculptures made in an island of Papua New Guinea for malangan, a set of rituals that were used to say goodbye to the dead, affirm clan identities, and negotiate land rights.

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