Aboriginal art is one of the oldest forms of art in the world. From rock paintings and carvings, body and bark paintings to modern art paintings and wearable art such as jewellery and garment construction, Aboriginal art is able to preserve the stories of Country through various mediums. To appreciate Aboriginal art is one thing, but to have a deeper understanding is another. So in this blog, we give you a brief introduction to the rich culture woven into Aboriginal art. Gabarnmung, Arnhem Land, Northern Australia Aboriginal Art Storytelling is an integral part of Aboriginal culture. Our stories document seasons, spirits, and animals that reside in the lands. Aboriginal art is used to tell these stories through drawings on rocks, body painting, and sand painting and is able to preserve the tens of thousands of year old stories that until now is seen through contemporary Aboriginal art. Iconography is vital in Aboriginal art. Iconography, or the use of symbols, is the First Nations people’s way to communicate stories to each other as there was no written language before. Icons, or symbols, told stories that have experiential or spiritual context. In other words, Aboriginal art was and is still being used to transfer knowledge. One must be careful, however, in using these symbols. Some can only be used by men and some even exclusively used within the community. Interpreting Aboriginal Art Do not be fooled by the seemingly simple appearance of these symbols; the stories behind them are complex. One factor that contributes to this is the multiplicity of their meanings. While each culture or geography share similar symbols, there are some icons that have different meanings across these communities. Another factor is age. In Aboriginal art, children have been taught good behaviour, but the interpretation can change as the child ages. Lastly, the audience, whether it be the original piece or contemporary, contribute to the meaning. Some interpretations can only be understood by the communities given the level of knowledge of these symbols, while the art can also be given a different meaning by the contemporary audience. Because interpretations vary, one article is not enough to cover all icons used in Aboriginal art, so the next part will discuss the more common symbols used in the art. Meanings of the Icons As mentioned, Aboriginal art told stories of First Nations’ experiences, teachings, and rituals. Here are some symbols used to transfer these knowledge: Animals and Plants Staple Australian animals and plants are evident in Aboriginal art. Stories of hunting often include icons for animals. Often they are depicted through the animal’s tracks. For harvesting, they also have icons for plants. Here are some examples: Gweeni by Daphne De Jersey Hunting Aside from animals and places, weapons for hunting are also illustrated through Aboriginal art. Places Circles usually denote a gathering of people. They can be used to depict a gathering spot, a fire, a camping, a waterhole, or a sacred site. Ceremonies are usually held at locations with a plentiful supply of water. As a result, artists frequently use the symbol for a ritual and the symbol for a waterhole interchangeably. The journey path people take between a number of destinations is symbolised by parallel lines connecting circles. Water running between two sites is represented by wavy lines. People The curving U shape is a popular sign in Aboriginal art that represents a person. When a person sits cross-legged on the sand, it leaves this shape on the sand. The symbol of a woman is usually accompanied by a coolamon and digging stick on either side. For the depiction of man, it is accompanied by a spear and shield though variations could incorporate other weapons such as a boomerang. Abstract While there are no common Aboriginal symbols for life, love, or strength, numerous artists have devised their own set of symbols to tell their stories based on their vast cultural knowledge. Central Art Aboriginal Art Store shares to us a glossary of common Indigenous symbols. You may check their website to see this glossary. Creating DulcieDot to Tell Stories of Country As you can see, we incorporate Aboriginal Art in our garments. This comes from a special place. DulcieDot was born out of my yearning to educate my children about our family and our culture. Dulcie and Dot's story prompted me to collaborate with Aboriginal Artists and communities around Australia to learn more about our people's stories. We have such a rich culture, with so many wonderful unknown stories. So each DulcieDot style is more than just a colourful sustainable garment: it is woven with a culture story that we want to pass on to the next generation.

Details Künstler-Statement Künstlerbiografie Details Künstlerin - Judith Nungarrayi Martin Gemeinschaft - Nyirripi Kunstzentrum/Gemeinschaftsorganisation – Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation Katalognummer - 6701/16 Materialien – Acryl auf vorgespannter Leinwand Größe (cm) – H30 B30 T3,5 Versandvarianten – Das Kunstwerk wird vorgestreckt verschickt und kann sofort aufgehängt werden Künstler-Statement Janganpa Jukurrpa (Träumendes Pinselschwanzopossum [Trichosurus vulpecula]) reist durch das ganze Warlpiri-Land. „Janganpa“ sind nachtaktive Tiere, die oft in den Mulden von Eukalyptusbäumen („Wapunungka“) nisten. Diese Geschichte stammt von einem großen Hügel namens Mawurrji, westlich von Yuendumu und nördlich von Pikilyi (Vaughan Springs). Dort lebte eine Gruppe von „Janganpa“-Vorfahren. Jeden Abend machten sie sich auf die Suche nach Nahrung. Ihre Jagdausflüge führten sie nach Wirlki und Wanapirdi, wo sie „Pamapardu“ (fliegende Ameisen) fanden. Auf der Suche nach Wasser reisten sie weiter nach Ngarlkirdipini. Eine Nampijinpa-Frau lebte mit ihren beiden Töchtern in Mawurrji. Sie gab ihre Töchter einem Jupurrurla „Janganpa“ zur Frau, entschloss sich aber später, mit ihnen durchzubrennen. Der Jupurrurla verfolgte die Frau wütend. Er verfolgte sie bis nach Mawurrji, wo er sie mit einer Steinaxt tötete. Ihre Körper sind an dieser Stelle jetzt Felsen. Das Warlpiri-Volk führt eine Initiationszeremonie für junge Männer durch, zu der auch der Janganpa Jukurrpa gehört. Der Janganpa Jukurrpa gehört den Jakamarra/Jupurrurla-Männern und den Nakamarra/Napurrurla-Frauen. In Warlpiri-Gemälden wird traditionelle Ikonographie zur Darstellung dieses Jukurrpa verwendet. „Janganpa“-Spuren werden oft als „E“-förmige Figuren dargestellt und konzentrische Kreise werden verwendet, um die Bäume darzustellen, in denen die „Janganpa“ leben, und auch die Orte in Mawurrji. Künstlerbiografie Judith Nungarrayi Martin wurde 1976 im Alice Springs Hospital geboren, dem nächstgelegenen Krankenhaus zu Yuendumu, einer abgelegenen Aborigine-Gemeinde 290 km nordwestlich von Alice Springs im Northern Territory von Australien. Judith stammt aus einer Künstlerfamilie. Ihre Mutter ist Helen Nampijinpa Robertson und ihr Großvater ist Shorty Jangala Robertson, beide bekannte Künstler, die für Warlukurlanga Artists malen. Sie besuchte die örtliche Schule in Yuendumu, bevor sie am Yirara College, einem Internat der Aborigines in Alice Springs, studierte. Als sie mit der Schule fertig war, kehrte sie nach Yuendumu zurück. Sie zog 1991 nach Nyrripi, wo sie später einen „Nyrripi-Jungen“ heiratete. Sie haben 3 Söhne und 1 Tochter. Judith malt seit 1994 für die Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, ein von den Aborigines geführtes Kunstzentrum in Yuendumu. Als kleines Kind schaute sie ihrer Familie beim Malen zu und hörte sich ihre Geschichten an. Obwohl ihre künstlerische Produktion zunächst sporadisch war, begann sie, Vollzeit zu malen, als sie ihre Söhne und ihre Tochter bekam. „ Ich wollte die Geschichten malen, um sie meinen Kindern beizubringen .“ Judith malt die Jukurrpa (Träume) ihres Vaters, zu denen Janganpa Jukurrpa (Brush Tail Possum Dreaming) und Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) gehören. Diese Träume werden seit Jahrtausenden von Generation zu Generation weitergegeben und stehen in direktem Zusammenhang mit dem Land, seinen Besonderheiten und den Tieren und Pflanzen, die es bewohnen. Sie hat in Gruppenausstellungen in Melbourne, Sydney und Japan ausgestellt. Sie nutzt eine uneingeschränkte Palette, um eine moderne Interpretation ihrer traditionellen Kultur zu entwickeln.

These 10 Facts about Aboriginal art will give you an understanding and appreciation of Indigenous art in Australia, the oldest continuing art form in the world.

Sometimes described as the oldest art form, Aboriginal art is full of symbolism and meaning. Here’s how to read the signs.

Explore Olga e Zanni's 2852 photos on Flickr!

Art is not something that happened in one era and that too when human beings were in a position where their basic needs were taken care of and they had the

Mimih | Mimi | Mimih spirits are supernatural beings that used to live in the rocky country of western Arnhem land. They are so thin and light that a strong

by Barbara Bechtel Throughout history, many religions and cultures have used jewelry as a means of imparting cultural and religious symbols and patterns into their work. However, you don't have to be a world traveler or an anthropologist to find inspiration for your own artisan made jewelry. The internet and your local library offer a wealth of research options to find meaningful and beautiful symbols to inspire your own work.... Here are just a few that have inspired me over the years.... The Maasai women have long been known for their intricate beaded designs and body modification. Originally, the delicate beads and their colors came from traditional means such as bone, stone, and horn but lost favor when trading with Europe and they were able to gain access to larger quantities of their now favored opaque Czech glass. Tradtional Japanese Netsuke and their counterparts, Ojime and Inro, were intricately carved adornments for the obi. Generally serving as a closure (much like a button) for a small pouch, this unique art form is still a popular craft and art form today. Traditionally, they depicted popular animals, deities, nature, and even professions or popular subjects of the day. You need not look any further than your own personal religious beliefs to find beautiful symbols. To expand on this idea, consult historical and religious texts or references to find variations of symbols through out history. In addition to the traditional symbols, look for other symbolic references in the stories of different religions, in example the rainbow in Christianity or the Hamsa in many different religions. Indigenous cultures and tribes throughout the world often used symbols in their writings, weavings and jewelry. Research into different groups can not only inform your work but also enlighten you about art history! Here are some additional references to get you started: PBS: Craft in America : Not only does this series research the rich history of American Craft; many episodes highlight artists working in traditional methods and symbology of their cultural heritage. Signs and Symbols in Christian Art: This book is a wonderful reference for traditional symbols used throughout art history. Also a great reference if you enjoy western art history. Religious-Symbols.net: Is a great basic site that overviews different religious symbols and their meaning. A great jumping point for your research. If you have any wonderful references, I'd love to hear them below!

Australian aboriginal art colouring pages of animals. Use these cool designs for kids' craft activities and art lessons.

A sample of the houseing used by the aboriginals back in the day.....

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Het Australische continent werd ongeveer vijftig duizend jaar geleden bevolkt door de voorouders van de tegenwoordige Aboriginals. De cultuur van de Aboriginals is in vele opzichten uniek omdat men tot aan de negentiende eeuw nagenoeg geen contact met culturen buiten Australië had. De volken in het Noorden van Australië hadden reeds voor kolonisatie contact met het huidige Indonesië en Papua Nieuw-Guinea. Een van de meest in het oog springende uitingen van hedendaagse Aboriginal cultuur zijn de zogenaamde "dotpaintings", een markante schilderstijl waarin een duizenden jaren oude vorm van kunst wordt uitgedrukt met moderne materialen en in een moderne context.

Welcome to the new generation of teacher stamps! From the limited edition Holly Sanders x The Teaching Tools collection. Artwork: "Goanna" Meaning: This design represents the Goanna. Goannas are an important food source for some Aboriginal people, especially in desert areas where larger animals are rare. Aboriginal people are expert trackers and can see the tracks of goannas and recognise how recently the tracks were made, the ‘E’ designs symbolise these tracks. Goannas are a respected food resource and their existence is told in many Dreaming and creation stories.  All descriptions have been written by Holly Sanders. This stamp collaboration is a celebration of our First Nations people and children who have been learning on this country for over a thousand generations. As the first teachers, First Nations people’s cultural traditions and knowledge has been passed down for thousands of years.  The story telling and symbols used in this contemporary art stamp set does not represent all First Nations cultural groups or people, if in doubt always check within your community.

Australian Aboriginal culture is one of the oldest and most fascinating cultures in the world. It has a rich history and deep spiritual beliefs that are still practiced today. The […]

Arnhem Land Rock Art is unlike that anywhere on earth. It is the artistically most exciting Rock Art because it is full of spirits and figure

Antara - Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands of South Australia Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 'Our art is living' is a sentiment shared by the indigenous artists in Australia. Some of their communities have a cultural continuum for their country reaching back 70,000 years. They believe that the collective unconscious nature of their images is energetic to geometric and motif form and these same motifs have held a story of meaning throughout the ages and still carry a resonance. DAAFF ( Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation) encourages and assists with professional development opportunities and promotion of Aboriginal

Manyung Gallery Group - Contemporary Art Gallery Melbourne Australia

How an ancient Aboriginal memory technique may uncover the meaning behind archaeological sites across the globe are revealed in a new book, The Memory Code.