Aboriginal Bark Art Who were the Aborigines and why are we looking at their culture today? What do you think bark art might be and do they get supplies at Hobby Lobby or Michaels?

History Aboriginal Art   The Aborigines of Australia have one of the oldest surviving cultures on Earth. Since they had no written language, they have traditionally used song, dance, and art to pass on knowledge and to celebrate their religion. Since ancient times the Aborigines have created rock engravings and mosaics painted on the ground. Aborigine artists now paint on canvas as well. The artists’ symbols have spiritual meanings and are handed down from one generation to the next. Wavy lines, dots, and rods all convey different ideas. Sometimes plain or concentric circles or animal tracks are also depicted. Artists gravitate toward different styles, depending on where they live. For example, artists from Arnhem Land use many straight lines and crosshatching. Dotted designs are common in art produced by the Aborigines of the central desert regions.  People, Places, and Change by Holt p. 705 History

Australian animals! How many do you know?