Abstract
This chapter introduces some issues related to the different interpretations and narratives that have been put forward in relation to the Indigenous rock-art of the Kimberley, Northwest Australia. At the centre of inquiry is an examination of the construction of European narratives around these images in their respective historical context. The earliest interpretations were put forward by British explorers and were constructed within the racist and evolutionistic frameworks of the 19th century. These narratives were intimately bound to the contemporary colonialist experience. However, it is also shown that certain elements of these interpretations have lasting effects that resonate until today. Interpretations about the art and the rock-art of the Kimberley find their place today in disputes over the control over land and resources between Aboriginal and other interest groups in post-colonial Australia.
Publisher
Johanna Mestorf Academy of Kiel University
Reference63 articles.
1. Akerman et al. 2002: K. Akerman/R. Fullagar/A. van Gijn, Weapons and Wunan: Production, function and exchange of Kimberley points. Australian Aboriginal Stud. 2002 (1), 13–42.
2. Arndt 1964: W. Arndt, The Australian Evolution of the Wandjinas from Rainclouds. Oceania 34 (3), 1964, 161–169.
3. Bahn 2007: P. G. Bahn, Cave Art: A Guide to the Decorated Ice Age Caves of Europe. London: Frances Lincoln 2007.
4. Bahn/Vertut 1988: P. G. Bahn/J. Vertut, Images of the Ice Age. New York: Facts on File 1988.
5. Balme 2000: J. Balme, Excavation revealing 40 000 years of occupation at Mimbi Caves, south central Kimberley, Western Australia. Australian Arch. 51, 2000, 1–5.