The art work created by the Aboriginal people often proves not only traditional, but a vital part within the heart of Australian history. The Aboriginal people hold dear these traditions as a building block of their culture and society. Passed on from their ancestors, the Aboriginal symbols and designs still hold the value and power they held many generations past. It is further believed that certain Aboriginal art designs hold significant religious powers. This can be illustrated by the belief that when applied to an individual or an article during religious ceremony, the article or individual gains religious significance. An example might be a warrior and his shield. 

 

Aboriginal ceremonies make use of the designs used in their art, by painting them onto their faces and bodies, granting the individual the same power and significance as their ancestors experienced in their family and society. This is done by mixing “Ochres” with water and painting the paste onto the face and body. Aboriginal societies within central Australia hold these ceremonies often, keeping a strong connection with the life of their ancestors. Another example might be found in the central and western regions of Australia, with paintings in these regions further illustrating this practice.

 

Early Aboriginal art had one purpose, that purpose was to tell a story. This remains the same today with individual symbols or combinations of symbols and designs being painted to relate a desired story. As an example, imagine a “U”, which is the symbol for man.

 

The early Aboriginals represented water with circles. A spiral line denoted running water, while representing a man by two vertical lines followed ‘n’ shape, by combining these symbols, the artist might be telling a story of the power of man to bring rain to an area experiencing draught. However if there were several circles depicted it could be representing several wells or water holes used by the village. The more symbols in the painting, the more complex the story.

 

Aboriginal artists will relate the story of a painting as the “Outer Story”, knowing only those who truly have the “Gift” understand the true meaning of the painting.

 

As stated, many symbols are used to create Aboriginal art. In some Aboriginal societies, the same symbol can have two totally different meanings. Perhaps that is the reason Aboriginal artists believe only certain people have the knowledge and gift to truly understand the art. One example would be the “Dot”, a symbol common in early paintings, typically in Aboriginal art its used to show the preparation of ground. However while in certain areas such as (central and western desert locations) it can be used to denote a certain object, if used in art from another area it could mean something else entirely,

 

Furthermore while exploring the art of the central and western desert, we find a specific movement present over the last 30 Years. This movement began with Johnny Warangkula. He began to use dots for the background of his paintings. Considered a brilliant artist, others such as Papunya and Yuendumu integrated his style into their work. This new use of the dot symbol has become one of the differences that make central and western desert art stand out from the rest.

  

As Papunya’s work grew in popularity in the 70’s, dotting began to be used for another purpose. The artist believed that the true meaning of the art should not be understood by the “Un-initiated”.  He began to use “Dotting” as a means to obscure the meaning and hide certain symbols. Outsiders now consider Papunya’s style as what sets central and western desert art apart from the rest. Isn’t it interesting to understand the style was created to prevent “Outsiders” from truly understanding his and other’s work?

 

There are many thoughts concerning the style of Papunya, and others, who make use of dotting. If you really give it thought, these talented artists are actually safeguarding the sacred secrets of their culture, ancestors and society. Dick Kimber in 1981, said they were the prime means of “Eliminating” the sacred. On the other hand, Judith Ryan referred to the dots as “Masking” and “Camouflage”.

 

Aboriginal Art is composed of many symbols, each having a very important meaning. To really understand the art, we must further explore the symbols and their meaning. Many of the symbols are variations of lines and dots, each having multiple meanings to the people of the regions. Combining the symbols can produce very complex stories.

 

Exploring these symbols and objects further we can break down what we know about Aboriginal art to tell you the following:

 

Animal Tracks

Tracks in a painting denote the native dog of Australia called a “Dingo”. Often being used to tell the story of a hunt or a Dingo’s presence.

 

Ants, Fruits, Flowers or Eggs

This is an excellent example of multiple meanings. The symbol could refer to the gathering of food, or bush medicine.

 

Boomerang

Typically used for hunting and in ceremonies. The symbol could tell of hunting, weapons or bravery.

 

Bush Berry

Bush Berry’s were gathered by Aboriginal women for food, which explains their presence in Aboriginal art.

 

Campsite

Aboriginals in central Australia place great meaning in circles. They signify either a camp or ceremonial site.

 

Campsite or Waterhole

Typically this symbol denotes a campsite or water holes.

 

 

Coolamon

Women used a collamon when gathering food, carrying water or babies; this is a hand-crafted wooden dish.

 

Digging or Clapping Sticks

Sharpened on one end, they served as digging tools. In women’s ceremonies, they served as clapping sticks.

 

Emu

Emus were used as food and medicine. Furthermore during ceremonies, men would use the feathers as dress.

 

Goanna

The tracks of the Goanna are represented by this symbol. Aboriginals hunted this animal, and its eggs.

 

Hole, Cloud or Nest

These symbols could represent any of the above, depending on the artist.

 

Honey Ant

Women made use of their digging sticks to hunt for honey ants. They produced a substance which served as a treat for the Aboriginal people.

 

Honey Ant Site

Here this is often depicted as the Aboriginal’s path to honey ant locations.

 

Hunting Boomerang

What most people p[perception of a boomerang is, is slightly different to the actual tool used by the Aboriginal people, formed into the shape of a seven. The longer end was used as a handle, with the other end being sharpened to kill prey.

 

Kangaroo Track

This symbol denotes the track of the kangaroo. Being used as a track to hunt and kill the Kangaroo.

 

Man

This depicts man with a spear (a hunter), next to the male icon shows another icon, this determines if it’s a man or a woman. 

 

Man 2

This symbol shows a man with a spear and a woomera, a spear thrower used to hunt larger prey.

 

Meeting Place

This represents a meeting place and path. It is very significant to the Aboriginals, denoting a place to gather together and sit (as the icon depicts) in a circle.

 

Moving Kangaroo Tracks

Quite simply this represents the tracks of a moving kangaroo, with the line in the middle depicting the tail of the kangaroo as it trails through the sand.

 

People Sitting

Representing people sitting around a campfire or water hole, with the ‘U’ shape denoting the people.

 

Possum

Represents the footprints of the possum (depicted in painting from central Australia).

 

Rain

This symbol depicts rain; in Aboriginal culture rain is celebrated, often using song and dance to celebrate the rain fall.

 

Sand Hill or Cloud

This is another example of an icon with multiple meanings often being used to represent a sand hill, cloud, rainbow or windbreak.

 

Smoke, Water flow, Lightning or Bushfire

Again these icons are said to depict different interpretations dependent upon the artist, often representing smoke, water flow, lighting or bushfire.

Snake

Sometimes referred to as rainbow serpent, this icon depicts the snake.

 

Spear

Hand made by the Aboriginal people and used as weapons to hunt prey, this icon depicts a spear.

 

Star

Representing a star, referred to as totemic beings by the Aboriginal people.

 

Traveling Sign

These icons represent a campsite or resting place.