Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Styles and Periods Facet
3. Styles and Periods (hierarchy name)
4. [styles, periods, and cultures by region]
5. Oceanic
6. Melanesian

Narrower term/s

• Ambrym (culture or style)
• Oba
• Banks Islands
• Malekulan

Anotations

Scope note:

Nationality, styles, and culture of Vanuatu and its constituent islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean; particularly refers to the Melanesian cultures rather than to the colonial cultures. The art created by the Vanuatu people is often based on male initiation rituals, men's secret societies, social ranking systems and the afterlife. Vanuatu's male sacred houses are oblong homes constructed using decorated coconut fiber binding. Personal ornamentation is an important practice for the Vanuatu people, who wear elaborate garments, practice face painting, nasal perforation, and puberty scarification of women's backs, which indicate, social status, beauty, and health and hygiene.