When we examine art throughout the cultures and the centuries you really fathom an understanding of rituals, ceremonies, and art work that one may take for-granted. In our studies we have learned to appreciate what these art forms deeply mean to the variety of cultures we have studied. In this presentation I will examine two different cultures and objects from those cultures and how we as consumers of these products can loose the meaning and appreciation.

The art of tattoo was widespread in the Oceania (Cothren, Stokstad p.869). The Polynesians brought the art of tattooing with them when they migrated throughout the Pacific. To this culture the art of tattooing required shedding blood, which was the most sacred substance in Polynesia. In the Marquesas, the process of tattooing for a young man of high social rank began around age 18, and by age 30 he would be fully tattooed (Cothren, Stokstad p.869).
The art of tattooing was a special occasion in which special houses were built. The master tattooer and his assistants had to be fed and paid after their work was done, then a special feast would be held to display the new tattoos.
Tattooing "was done to mark passages in people's lives and their social positions, and to commemorate special events or accomplishements" (Cothren, Stokstad p.869).

When we look at the art of tattooing in today's time i believe it can go two ways.
Regardless tattooing all around is a beautiful art. However in today's time in my opinion compared to the deep cultural meaning of the Polynesians', tattooing is just an art. Not to say people can not get tattoo's that have cultural, and emotional meaning because many people do. But there is no cultural ceremony to mark the occasion, no special showing, and are not interpreted the way they were for the Polynesians.
It is still an art form in today's society, but it is more a personal preference and way of expression.

Bilum are netted bags made by the women of Papua New Guinea. They were looped from a single long thread, spun on the thigh (Cothren, Stokstad p.864). Bilum are very strong, and loosely woven meant to be used as work bags to carry items such as vegetables or beer.
In some cases a special bilum would be made to store the bones of a deceased man, while the widow would wear his personal bag as a sign of mourning.

Today while the technique for making bilum remains unchanged, there is a wide array of new colors, designs, and materials used to make them. Bilum have become one the the country's national symbols.
The Bilum pictured here is one I found being sold on Ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Antique-BILUM-BAG-FROM-PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA-/33...) being sold for $179.00. It is listed to be an authentic bilum from the 1960's.
Seeing this listing makes you wonder why would someone want to buy this?
There are many options, perhaps this is their culture it they understand and appreciate the cultural meaning and value behind the bilum. Others perhaps may just like to have it to use as as carrying bag, or as decor in ones home.
We tend to take items for granted, to us this is just a bag, but to the people of New Guinea this symbolizes their nation and their culture.

The Tea Ceremony has always been a sacred art and tradition to the Japanese. Zen Monks used tea as a mild stimulant to aid meditation, and others found it to have medicinal properties (Cothren, Stokstad p.820).
The process of the tea ceremony is not simply about drinking tea, but about aesthetics, preparing a bowl of tea from one's heart (http://japanese-tea-ceremony.net/).
All utensils used in the tea ceremony are sacred to the Japanese culture. The tea bowl used in the ceremony came to be appreciated for its aesthetic quality (Cothren, Stokstad p.821).

This is a Japanese tea bowl for sale on Ebay for $99.99 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-TEA-BOWL-of-Oldest-Black-SETO-ware-EDO-4-7...).
Being honest, what are the chances of someone buying this bowl off of ebay to host a traditional Japanese tea ceremony?
However, there is a good chance of someone being educated on the Japanese culture and buying this piece and truly appreciating the meaning behind it.
There is also the possibility of someone buying it simply as a decorative piece for their home.

While the history of ceramic production dates to the earliest of Japanese civilization, production of glazed, stoneware came to Japan in the 16th century largely encouraged by the tea ceremony (Cothren, Stokstad, p.830). Porcelain was widely adopted by the Japanese for everyday use in response to a growing fashion for Chinese arts.

This is a Japanese hand painted plate for sale on Ebay for $49.99 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-SIGNED-Japanese-Porcelain-Plate-w-Handpaint...).
When someone proceeds to purchase this plate, they possibly would not know it was from Japan if not listed. However this is one item we would use in todays time as it was used and is used in Japan. We can all appreciate the art that goes into the making of the porcelains ceramics.

After viewing this presentation one can see how art forms from different cultures can loose their meaning and function when used by different people.
However I do feel that one can still find their own ways to appreciate the art, and respect the culture from which it originated. We all express, and interpret art in our own ways, which is what makes art so special and amazing that it is individualized and unique.