How does body painting relate
to Aboriginal culture.

Body art or Aboriginal body painting is tied directly to and is a major part of aboriginal culture.

Each ceremony has different painting symbols used as a link specifically for that particular ceremony.

No cultural ceremony is performed until the initiated (senior men) are satisfied that all participants are fully able to fulfil their obligations. Sometimes this takes many hours or days of preparations and training sessions.

This body art is also representative of the various regions and their totemic responsibilities to that group showing the participants position within this grouping.

The young boys in preparation for the circumcision ceremony in Arnhem Land have very detailed Rarrk paintings painted upon their chests.

The initiated men are also carefully painted in order to perform this sacred ceremony.

In one of the Women’s ceremonies they use special painting symbols to encourage breast growth as part of the sacred women’s business ceremonies.

Each of the hunting ceremonies has special painting symbols used again specifically to encourage success from that ceremony.

The ochre paints used in these ceremonies are often mixed with animal fat to last a long time as some ceremonies may last several days and nights which includes dancing, singing and storytelling.

Aboriginal body Art is a special and necessary part of all Aboriginal ceremonies.

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