Lapita

An early ceramics style that is features elaborate geometric motifs on a range of vessel shapes and distributed widely throughout Oceanic cultures. The distinct patterns were created using a toothed stamp of a single design element that is combined with other stamps to form a pattern. These designs occasionally include anthropomorphic faces and figures. In addition to vessels, freestanding Lapita pottery figures depicting human and animal subjects have also been unearthed. The style is named after a site in New Caledonia and an ancient Pacific culture.