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Contact with Europeans affected the inhabitants of the Trobriand Islands in many ways. Many Trobrianders were kidnapped by Australian ships in order to be sold into slavery. All these contacts had great influence on the culture of the indigenous population. New technology and materials were introduced into the culture, which changed their traditions and their art.
The pieces which you see on these pages are authentic artifacts from the Trobriand culture, and come from different times in the history of the Trobriands. They range in age from 40 to over 200 years old, and several have been in prominent collections or in museums. You will notice as you compare the different pieces that they are similarities in the design motifs used by the Islanders throughout their history.
Stone Axe with wood handle Trobriand Islands Wood, Stone, Lime H: 24" Click photo for detail of carving Click here for detail of wrapping |
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© 1997 Lewis/Wara Gallery. |