Traditional Aboriginal Art
Traditional methods and designs are passed on from one generation to the next.
Anangu art has traditionally taken the form of rock paintings, sand drawings and body painting. Anangu paintings are created for religious and ceremonial expression, and teaching and storytelling. Rock art paintings illustrate stories that Anangu were telling or the Tjukurpa they were teaching.
Protection of rock paintings
Rock paintings around the Park are extremely fragile and can be easily damaged. Natural elements like water, salt and lichen growth make them fade or flake off. Dust has an abrasive effect on the paintings and also covers them up. Mud nests built by swallows and wasps can also damage the art. Paintings also deteriorate when people touch the artwork or paint, or scratch graffiti on the sites.
Anangu and Park Managers have established methods for protecting the rock art. They have erected viewing platforms and interpretive signs at many of the popular sites. These allow people to view the art closely but prevent them from touching the paintings, and also reduce the amount of dust stirred up. Silicon drip lines are located where paintings are vulnerable to water flowing over the surface. The drip lines change the surface tension, diverting the path of water away from the paintings.
Please help protect the World Heritage rock art by remaining behind the protective barriers. Inform the Park Visitor Centre if you see any graffiti or persons damaging or interfering with the artwork.
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