Oceania Timeline

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...

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...

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...

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...

c. 1000–c. 1500

Colossal and distinctive statues, known as moai, are carved from volcanic tuff on Easter Island (Rapanui). Read more...

c. 1200

Nan Madol is constructed as a cermonial centre in Micronesia. The stone walls and platforms are built on basalt logs over the water, creating the 'Venice of the Pacific'. Read more...

c. 1200–c. 1500

Maoris arrive in New Zealand bringing woodcarving with them. The few early carvings that survive show a resemblance to those made in Eastern Polynesia, the Maori's presumed homeland. Read more...

c. 1750

Male chiefs in the Hawaiian Islands wear feather capes and helmets that distinguish their genealogy based on the size, design and types of feathers used to make the garments. Read more...

c. 1800–c. 1900

Torres Strait Islanders in the Pacific fashion masks and headdresses of turtle-shell and wood for use in their nighttime rites of passage ceremonies. Read more...

c. 1800–c. 2000

Large carved wooden masks are used in New Caledonia for ceremonies to support the ruler's status. These long-faced masks are individualized by the form of their prominent noses. Read more...

c. 1850

Craftsmen in the western Solomon Islands fashion elaborately decorated shields of cane, clay and mother-of-pearl inlay. Read more...

c.1850–1900

Landscape photographyColonists in Australia rapidly adopt photographic technologies to document the native landscape, flora, fauna and people. Landscape photography in particular plays a key role in constructing a national identity. Read more...

1930–1940

Palauan artists begin to depict scenes from traditional legends and events on portable 'storyboards' and create a new and important form of art in Palau, Micronesia. Read more...

1957–1973

Jørn Utzon wins the competition to build Sydney's Opera House with a shell-like design that mimics waves and sails, both references to the building's location. Read more...

1995–2000

Aboriginal artThe booming Australian art market generates international acclaim for contemporary artists, bringing works by Aboriginal artists into the spotlight. A younger generation of artists working in installation, photography and video create media focus and participate in biennales and art fairs worldwide. Read more...