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| Arnhem Land |
Arnhem Land is a vast wilderness area in the northeast corner of Australia's Northern Territory. It is home to the traditional landowners, the Yolngu people. In 1623, a Dutch explorer sailed his ship into the area, which was later named after his ship, the Arnhem.
Today Arnhem Land is owned by Aboriginal people under Commonwealth laws. A permit is required to visit.
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| Yolngu |
The Yolngu culture is among the oldest cultures on Earth, going back more than 60,000 years ago. It's earliest history is recorded in the paintings, dances and songs of the Yolnju. The rock art of northwestern Arnhem Land is world-renowned and represents one of the world's most enduring artistic cultures.
Yolnju often use white ochre to paint their faces and bodies. This custom is part of their rituals and ceremonies. White is a significant color in their culture, symbolizing sacredness and spiritual connection. White ochre is obtained from gypsum or crushed shells.
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| X-ray Style art |
The prehistoric X-ray tradition in Aboriginal art continues today. The X-ray style depicts animals or human figures in which the internal organs and bone structures are clearly visible. This distinctive style is often seen in rock art and eucalyptus bark paintings. It reflects the artist's knowledge of the local environment and the life within it. The X-ray style carries spiritual and cultural significance, connecting the physical form to its deeper meaning.
Over the last months, we've learned about various styles of art, and today we're introduced to yet another. One can't help but be intrigued and curious about the Aboriginal way of life.
"Our spirituality is a oneness and an interconnectedness with all that lives and breathes, even with all that does not live or breathe." ~Mudrooroo
Their concept of spirituality isn't only limited to human being, but includes even non-living things like rocks, mountains and rivers. They realize that humans have a responsibility to care for and protect the natural world, as it is an integral part of our spiritual and physical existence. After reading their quotations, we understand the deep reverence and respect the indigenous cultures have for the earth and all of its inhabitants.
We are all visitors to this time,
this place.
We are just passing through.
Our purpose here is to observe,
to learn,
to grow,
to love
and then we return home.
~Australian Aboriginal saying
Trivia: The curved U is a widely used icon in Aboriginal art and symbolizes a person. It represents the shape that is left on the sand when a person sits crossed legged.
