In many cultures, we try and keep the spirits of our ancestors alive. These are four details from ancestral plaques in New Guinea. They represent specific ancestors and bring the spirits of the deceased among the clan. Those spirits then share with the living the positive attributes they possessed during their natural lives. When I came across this book on oceanic art, I noticed the similiarity of some of the design elements to celtic and nordic art. the spiral pattern especially. not only in oceanic art, but also in greek, and early mexican art.