Aboriginal ArtsAboriginal artistry found expression in many forms. The main inspiration of Aboriginal art was religious ideas expressed through myth and legend. But everyday events were also depicted. Painting and carving. Cave and rock paintings are found over a wide area of Aboriginal Australia. Some sites are still used today. Some are secret-sacred (holy and hidden) and access to them is restricted. Two styles of traditional art are mimi (stick figure paintings) and X-ray paintings, which are paintings of humans, animals, and fish that show the internal organs and bones as well as flesh. Painting on bark was traditionally limited to Arnhem Land and a few other areas. Two distinctive styles of Arnhem Land painting developed. In the west, a painter usually left the background blank and concentrated on the main figures. In the east, the whole sheet was filled with complicated patterns that often referred to clan patterns with detailed mythological meanings. The painter prepared red, yellow, black, and white pigments (colouring matter) of varying shades and mixed them with orchid sap or water. Twigs, pieces of fibre, chewed stick ends or neatly twisted fibre, feathers, and human hair served as brushes. Aborigines made carved and painted human figures in north-eastern Arnhem Land and a large variety of sacred objects of wood and stone in central Australia. They used stone tools for incising (cutting into) stone or wood or for carving in the round. Corroborees- a name given by Australian-Europeans to various Aboriginal ceremonies, were not usually of religious significance. Mostly they were held for social enjoyment. Occasionally an elaborate ceremony would be held, featuring colourful body designs and headdresses and carefully made emblems for the participants. Usually, men and women danced separately. Some of the songs were traditional. Many ceremonies, dances, and songs were traded from group to group and were gradually spread over wide areas. Dances were usually simple, with a basic pattern, although some included complicated and graceful leg and hand movements. Most dancers were accompanied by singing or other music. Music was both vital and complex. As an accompaniment the most common instrument was a pair of clapping sticks. A hollow wooden log or gong was beaten in certain sacred rituals in Arnhem Land. Rattles were also used. The didgeridoo (drone pipe) was widespread throughout the north and into the Kimberley. It was not usually played alone. The didgeridoo provided a droning background for a songman with his clapping sticks. Myths and legends.
The sung poetry of the Aborigines covered all subjects, but much of it
dealt with mythical themes. Myths were handed down through the generations.
Sacred myths were often acted out in rituals. Many other stories were
simply legends or tales of how certain creatures came to be, or as ways
to demonstrate to children the repercussions of breaking laws, taboos,
and so on. |