Indigenous art symbols
Historically, the use of symbols was an alternate way to write down stories of cultural significance. They were often used to teach survival skills and use of the land. Symbols are still used by Aboriginal people in their art to preserve their culture and tradition. They are also used to depict various stories in contemporary Aboriginal Art.
While the symbols used by Aboriginal artists do not always have the same interpretation. The symbols in Aboriginal Art relies on the context of the use. The use of symbols in Aboriginal Art are explained on this webpage.
“Whatever the meaning of an individual symbol interpretations must be made in context of the entire work of art, the story behind the painting, the region from which the artist originates, and the style of the painting.” © ArtArk 2020. In another lesson, we will ask you to find out about the meaninng of symbols relevant to your mob.
Visit this Art website for a description of how some Aboriginal artists have used common symbols in their art.
You will need to scroll a fair way down the page to find the symbols and thier descriptions.
What do circles and hands represent in Aboriginal art?
In the videos to the right Colin Jones explains firstly the symbolism of circles and secondly the sybolism of hands in Indigenous art works.
Oorala Youth Program Values
These values have been depicted in colour and shape to describe their meanings
Leadership, Learning, Culture and Wellbeing.
Take a look below at these and see what you can into the symbols, then read the descriptions to see what the artist intended.
