Aboriginal Dot Paintings

The Australian Aboriginals see themselves as the custodians of this country. Their dreaming is not just of the land, but of the song, dance and mythology of the land. The paintings we see on canvas today were originally painted in the sand and only lasted 
until the wind blew. Canvas is durable and has given the world a chance to learn about the Aboriginals' 'dreaming', their way of life and values." (Malcolm Jagamarra Dreaming Stories)

Introduction to Aboriginal art. Learn the meaning of some of the symbols in Aboriginal dot painting. Now look at some of the examples of dot paintings (5 galleries to explore from Cooinda Gallery) to see if you can understand the meaning of the work. You can see that these painting are highly valued. Here is an informative site about Dreamtime (Jinta Dessert Art). View the meaning of symbols (Iconography). See paintings of the month - Can you find some of the symbols? Explore any of the artists from the gallery. (more examples)

 Indigenous Australia Site Listen to Dreamtime Stories! Take a virtual tour of the museum!

Aboriginal Art Online Learn all about the background of Aboriginal art- Dreamtime, prehistoric art and more. Find out all about Aboriginal Rock Art. What do these symbols mean to the people? How old is Australian rock art?
 

Aboriginal Fine Art Gallery paintings, carvings & didgeridoos of some of Australia's prominent Aboriginal artists.

Aboriginal Life, Culture and Art   Meet some of the artists. Artists at work. 

Animals of Australia

Unique Australian Animals Lots of animals to check - compiled by Andy Readman,  Melbourne Victoria Australia- Australia has been isolated from the rest of the world by vast oceans. The animals and plants which were originally there no longer had contact with animals from other parts of the world. They evolved separately. That is why they are so different. An Australian Animals Web Quest. Some animal print-outs