There exists porteutous similarity along with a variety of differences and divergences in the styles of art form Melanesia and Polynesia. Namely, in different cultures of that regions a different understanding is seen in the treatment of the human figure; patterns; animals and plants; and the role of ancestor spirits. Generally, such differences along with a row of particular similarities are explained by religious beliefs spread in the region and the style of life common for any particular nation inhabiting the region.
Discussing the art of the South Seas, the following parts of this region with their peculiar elements are to be mentioned: Micronesia (Marshall and Gilbert Islands, Caroline Islands); and Polynesia (Marquesas Islands, Hawaii, Easter Island, Maori). Micronesia can be characterized as a territory having a relatively homogeneous art with its peculiar simplicity, minimalism and being related to household themes. Namely, the art of Marshall and Gilbert Islands is majorly represented by a variety of utilitarian items and miniature figures of human bodies used as home decoration objects. Further, the Caroline Islands can be characterized as having minimalist aesthetic operates and having economic, simple and balanced disposition. One of the most common pieces of art for this territory is miniature statuette of human bodies; and notable is the fact that these human figures both male and female ones are depicted similarly having not many distinguishing features and being a rather abstract portrayal of a human body and its real proportions.
Next, the art of Polynesia can be described as tuned into the beat of religious beliefs, idolatrous rituals and spiritual practices. In particular, Mana and Tapu conceptions which are related to a code of religious regulations and principles are revealed in the portraying of human figure. In accordance to this concept, human body is shown in reduced forms and with simplified contours along with extremely big eyes which is very similar to the art of Micronesia. Thus, the attention of artisans is mainly paid to the reflection of spirituality of a human which is seen through eyes. The region features some separated areas of creation which were not common for the other territories such as tattoo in Marquesas Islands. This type of art was rather sophisticated and technologic especially paying attention to the early period of its appearance and popularity. One more significant feature to mention about the art of this part of the region under consideration is the figures of war gods. The inhabitants of these territories were mainly worries who believed that their military success largely depended on the strength of their faith. As a result, numerous addresses to depicting military gods can be seen in the art of Polynesia.
As a final point, it is evident that the pieces of art from varied territories of the South Seas have a lot in common. Namely, these objects have very similar concepts of human body depiction, they are relatively simplified, and are mainly related to household and used for decoration of the houses. The art of this region is seen as rather trivialized as it mainly features the most banal manifestations of creativity, and is not rich in architectural, sculptural or painting manifestations. There also exist some significant differences between the art of different parts of this region which is mainly seen in the level of its sophistication as in general the art of region is very simple, but there appear some outstanding examples such as navigation charts in Marshall and Gilbert Islands.