Ubirr

Here we have the ever-present Barramundi, this time in Aboriginal X-Ray Art form. We spent the afternoon checking out the amazing Aboriginal art in the Ubirr area, which has some of the best examples in the country. Dating the art is difficult, and the area has been in use for a very long time, so the ages range from 10's of thousands to maybe only 100 years old. This is a nice example of the "X-Ray" style, which depicted internal organs and structures in a rather decorative manner.







The galleries were crowded with images, many painted on top of each other, and it was worth spending some time to sort out all the separate paintings. Here there are some long-necked turtles, lots of fish, some hands, and some figures, including a "white fella" wearing a hat, with his hands in his pockets (probably painted in the late 1800's). In the painting of the long necked turtle, there are areas highlighted in light pigment, which represent the tastiest bits, should you wish to eat one.

Click on the picture (or any of the others) to bring up a larger version.




And here I am, looking perhaps a tad overly happy about being here. We are huge rock art fans, seeking it out in various locations in Europe and the States, and at last, here in Australia.