Visions from the Past: The archaeology of Australian Aboriginal art

(Paperback)

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Description

A comprehensive introduction to Australian Aboriginal rock art by a recognized authority in the field. The island continent of Australia contains the largest continuous account of human artistic expression. The latest findings on the antiquity of Aboriginal art continue to make front-page news as claims and counterclaims attract international attention. This survey of ancient Aboriginal art explores what we know now, how we know, and why it is important. There are many books dealing with Australian Aboriginal archaeology and art - particularly rock art - but this text also provides an overview of the problems and the methods of approach used in the study of this art. The purpose of the book is to provide a starting point - in a lively style suitable for the general reader. "Visions from the Past" tells the story of how the study of ancient art is undertaken. It also provides information on Australian Aboriginal art systems, how this art has changed over time, the history of research, the impact of new dating technologies and analytical techniques, and how understanding the art has contributed to our knowledge of Australia's immense prehistory.

Reviews

"An excellent introduction, comprehensive, superbly illustrated and emphasising the chronological depth and regional variation of this artistic heritage. An authoritative, clearly documented case for treating Australia as the rock art capital of the world." John Mulvaney. "A definitive text, insightful, informative, always interesting." Claire Smith, Flinders University, Adelaide.

Author Bio

Michael Morwood is the president of the Australian Rock Art Association and teaches Australian archaeology at the University of New England. Since graduating from Australian National University, he has worked both as an academic researcher and as a public archaeologist, carrying out extensive field research in New Zealand and throughout Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. He is currently working on early hominid sites on the Indonesian islands of Java and Flores. Professor Morwood is particularly interested in ethnohistory, material culture studies and the social and ceremonial role of art in Aboriginal Culture. Current projects include work on rock art and its cultural context in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. He has edited two monographs and written numerous articles on rock art.