An exhibition of artefacts made and curated by
Flinders University archaeology students
Title: Wandjina Painting
Dimensions (cm): 4.7x18x17.2
Artist: Jenna Walsh
Editor: Victoria Hardy
Region: Oceania & Asia
Description:
Wandjina figures feature in Aboriginal rock art in the Kimberly region of Western Australia. Believed by local Indigenous peoples to be creation spirits, images of Wandjina have been left in various locations to make places of ceremonial significance. Wandjina art is thought to have originated around 4000 years ago and traditional images are still cared for and repainted by local people. HOW THE REPLICA WAS MADE: Traditionally natural pigments from the Kimberly region such as huntite and ochre were mixed with water saliva or animal fat and applied to rock surfaces with fingers, sticks, or brushes made of human or animal hair. This replica was created with acrylic paint and applied with fingers in the traditional style, with the aid of acrylic brushes.