Aboriginal Art Reflection

For the readings due today, I was particularly interested in what Scharfstein had to say about the Aboriginal art of Australia. After having gone there 2 summers ago, I learned a little about Aboriginal art and what the meaning was behind it. Ever since I went there, I have always been interested in the art. However, Aboriginal art is hardly touched on in my art history book. So, when I read todays readings, I already knew a little, but what I found most interesting was how Pat Mamanyjum Torres described the process and myths revolving around the development of different tribes. To sum it up, he stated that before a child is born, they have a dream of their spirit child playing with say and animal, plant, or weather element. After this dream, basically the parents interpret this dream to be what their child “belongs” to. I found this interesting because the man I have posted a picture of works as an aboriginal didgeridoo player for the museum my tour went to but had also discussed what the paint on his body symbolizes. I forget what animal he said he belonged to, but I do remember that the paint they put on their body before a song or ritual is not just a random design on their body, but an interpretation of the animal they are tied to. At the time I had not retained much information while I was there “learning” about the Aboriginal art, which makes me all the more interested in it because I hope to go back there one day and learn even more!