Aboriginal Art and Symbols
Read through the information on the website and complete the worksheet attached below titled: Aboriginal Art and Symbolism Download below:
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INTRODUCTION
Aboriginal art has developed from a 50,000 year old culture. The first pieces of art were created with natural materials straight from the land. They would use rocks, caves and bark as their canvas. Then they would grind up natural materials and minerals such as ochre, charcoal and ash to paint these surfaces. Sometimes they would paint these on their skin as a part of a ceremony.
They also made sculptural artworks. These could be made from wood or woven from native grasses. Often these items were of a practical nature such as baskets or eel traps. However in modern times this technique has been used for pure sculpture.
Aboriginal art has developed from a 50,000 year old culture. The first pieces of art were created with natural materials straight from the land. They would use rocks, caves and bark as their canvas. Then they would grind up natural materials and minerals such as ochre, charcoal and ash to paint these surfaces. Sometimes they would paint these on their skin as a part of a ceremony.
They also made sculptural artworks. These could be made from wood or woven from native grasses. Often these items were of a practical nature such as baskets or eel traps. However in modern times this technique has been used for pure sculpture.
Watch the video above to gain an insight on how important symbolism is in Indigenous Artwork. Answer question 2 of the worksheet.
Symbols in Aboriginal Artwork
Aboriginal artworks are often telling a story.
Their history is often passed down through art, story telling, dances and songs. Sometimes the story tells us about the Dreamtime. The Dreamtime tells of the beginning of the world and Australia. Of ancient beings who once walked this land and shaped the earth. Sometimes the artworks are maps showing important landmarks and clues for survival. Other artworks show individual stories. Each person in Aboriginal culture had a totem. It could be an animal such as the honey ant or a plant, like the yam. It was their responsibility to look after their totem to keep it healthy and in balance within that ecosystem. The symbols were used to help tell a story. |
Animals as Symbols
Animals are regularly used as a source for symbols and metaphor in all societies. In Aboriginal Australia where the original inhabitants were principally hunters rather than farmers, they relied on the native animals around them for food. And therefore these animals were the ones they turned to for use as symbols in art and story legend. Most Dreamtime stories and images in Aboriginal art include a range of Australian animals from land and sea. Here are some examples of Aboriginal Artwork with animals and that tell a story through the use of symbols.
What animals do you see? |
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What symbols do you see?
Look at the artwork here. There are 18 different Aboriginal Art Symbols used in this artwork to tell a story! This website HERE has some other great artworks with clear examples of how Aboriginal Symbols have been used within. This can help you with your worksheet. |
Optional Extension
Aboriginal Dot Pattern Use 1x blank sheet of A4 paper Trace your hand OR draw large circles around your page. Follow the shape of your hand or circles with dots circling around the shape. Use bright colours and carefully create a dot pattern around the drawing of your shapes or hand What to use:
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