Hall of the Pacific

The Pacific is the largest ocean on Earth, home to many distinct cultures and ecosystems.

The new Hall of the Pacific is the Peabody’s first permanent display of the traditional arts and cultural objects of the region. Over 250 items on display are sculptures and textiles from the collection of Thomas Jaffe ‘71 as well as those from the Museum’s collection.

The gallery features small personal ornaments, functional objects such as canoe paddles, drums, shields made for protection, vessels, examples of masks made throughout the region, a painted house façade, barkcloth, and figurative sculptures made from materials found in the region.

Tago Mask

Tago appeared in Tami Island villages once in a decade representing mythical ancestors or spirits. Tago, owned by clans, are made by men in secret.

Pair of Eharo Masks

The Elema people of the Papuan Gulf performed a masking cycle during important events. Eharo sculptural elements represent totemic animals, birds, fish, or reptiles.

The Island of New Guinea

The Island of New Guinea has over 800 languages. It is divided politically; Indonesia in the west and independent Papua New Guinea in the east.

Objects from New Guinea — *^{Photo credit: Tom Jaffe / Johan Vipper}*

Prestige and Ceremony in Fiji

Fijian artists make sculptures and textiles reflecting many aspects of their culture. During ceremonies men of status display specific objects. Women make masi (barkcloth).

Statue from Fiji — *^{Photo credit: Tom Jaffe / Johan Vipper}*

Malangan Ritual Art

Over a long period of time the people of New Ireland developed an extensive art tradition used in a sacred ritual context.

Malangan art — *^{Photo credit: Tom Jaffe / Johan Vipper}*

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