Did You Know
- Aerial perspective is used by many Aboriginal artists, often to record landscapes and sites of significance in their work. Traditionally this was a way to share knowledge maintain connection to sites. Symbols were used to denote important landmarks such as waterholes, hills, campsites etc.
Activities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures:
Country/Place, Culture, People
- Research an Aboriginal Artist who records landscape in their work. Discover some of the meanings of the symbols contained in their work.
- Despite regional differences in how symbols were drawn, they often represented the same things: waterholes, plants, animals, campfires and people. Why do you think these things were marked? What makes them important?
- Make a map of your suburb or neighbourhood using symbols of your own creation. What symbol would you use for food? What do you think is important and should be on your map?
Other Resources:
Film
Documentary - Painting Country (available online)
Recommended Books
Walmajarri Language Stories:
Mangarriwu juju (digitised)
Chart
Wongatha Symbol chart (DET) (requires your DET login)