Australian Art

"Aboriginal rock art: a vast gallery, the work of 1500 generations. The island continent of Australia contains the largest continuous record of human artistic expression in history. Here is a beautifully illustrated and comprehensive introduction to this ancient art and its archaeology from Mike Morwood, an experienced and respected authority."

Using over 70 illustrations, this book examines the creative methods of Aboriginal bark painters and the cultural meaning of their work, both within their own society and the projection of the work onto an international stage.

This work delves into the exciting story of one of the oldest continuous civilizations on earth. Beginning with the complexities of early human colonization and continuing through later European resettlement, the history of Australia's native people is told in a wide-ranging and sympathetic fashion. Drawing on research from anthropology, cultural geography, and environmental studies, the intricate and changing ways in which aborigines and white settlers have related to each other is discussed and the origins of aboriginal art, medicine, and music are chronicled.