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Aboriginal Art |
This wonderful activity is based on traditional Australian Indigenous art and culture. Australia has a very long history of Aboriginal art with evidence dating back at least 30,000 years. Art is very important in Aboriginal culture; being used to pass on history, tell stories and denote territory. We hope that children enjoy using the designs and colours to explore their creativity whilst engaging in this cultural theme.
There are eleven different designs from which to choose. Children may click on the red arrows at the right side of the screen to move between them at any time. Once designs have been changed, the initial colouring will disappear.
The mouse pointer appears as a brush, with the bristles showing the active colour. The tip of the brush must be within an area to colour it. To change paint colour, simply click on the desired colour on the palette.
To exit, click on the small hand in the lower right corner of the screen.
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
Australian Aboriginal culture/art
Australian animals
Creativity
Colour recognition
Decision making
Mouse control - single click
Traditional Australian Aboriginal art type varies widely and includes rock, bark, leaf and body painting, sculpture and engraving, sand-painting, stone arrangements, weaving and ceremonial clothing.
The colours we have used in this activity are based more on modern indigenous art. Traditionally the colours were few and depended upon the availability of ochres in local areas. Ochres are pigments derived from naturally tinted clay. Pigments were also made from wood ash or animal blood.
Symbols used in Aboriginal art can vary in meaning according to regional origins and overall context. For example, circles within circles can mean waterholes or springs, trees, hills or campfires. Using them alone or in groups can change interpretations. In modern paintings, colours can be used to determine meaning, such as black or blue for water.
Aboriginal art may tell about "The Dreaming". These are stories owned by different tribes that are passed down from generation to generation, about the creation of life, land, people and animals.