Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Arts
Visual Arts
It is difficult to define Aboriginal art as one style because form and practice vary from
one area to another. From the original art forms of rock art, carving and body decoration,
a dynamic contemporary art industry has grown into one of the success stories of Abori-
ginal Australia.
The
Koori Mail
is an Aboriginal-owned national newspaper. Set up by several Aboriginal
communities in 1991 to give a voice to Aboriginal people, it provides news and informa-
tion on politics, sport, social and cultural life from communities across Australia. It is
published fortnightly and can be purchased at most newsagencies.
Music
Music was always a vital part of Aboriginal culture. Songs were important for teaching
and passing on knowledge and musical instruments were often used in healing, ceremon-
ies and rituals. The most well known instrument is the Yadaki or didgeridoo which was
only played by men in northern Australia. Other instruments included clapsticks, rattles
and boomerangs and in southern Australia, animal skins were stretched across the lap to
make a drumming sound.
This rich musical heritage continues today with a very strong contemporary music in-
dustry. Like other art forms, Aboriginal music has developed into a fusion of new ideas
and styles mixed with strong cultural identity and a few musicians have been successful
in mainstream music. Contemporary artists like Dan Sultan and Jessica Mauboy have
crossed over successfully into the mainstream winning major music awards and seen reg-
ularly on popular programs and at major music festivals. Aboriginal radio is the best and
most accessible way to hear Aboriginal music.
Performing Arts
Dance and theatre are a vital part of social and ceremonial life and important elements in
Aboriginal culture. Dances often told stories for passing on knowledge. Styles varied
from one nation to the next and depended on whether it was for social or ritual reasons.
Imitation of animals, birds and the elements was common across Australia but dance
