Introduction

The Yolngu are the Indigenous people of North-east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. In 1996 the elders decided to use their sacred art to explain to outsiders their special connection to the land and sea.

The 85 paintings of the Saltwater Collection give the basis of Yolngu ownership of the area and were created to help non-Yolngu people understand and respect the community's laws and custodial rights. The paintings are also maps and legal documents, some having been used in Federal court cases on sea rights.

Program synopsis

Students visit the Eora - First People exhibition, where several of the Saltwater barks are on display. This is followed by a practical workshop where students plan and create their own artwork, based on the premise of using symbols to express a sense of belonging.

Program structure

Tour & Workshop - 60 minutes

Students visit the Eora - First People exhibition to view the Saltwater bark paintings on display and learn about the Yolngu people and why they created the paintings. Students then look closely at the artwork and discuss the importance of particular symbols within the works that have special meaning. They then consider the nature of places that are special in their own lives and devise a non-verbal expression of those concepts in their own artwork.

Topics include the motivation of the Yolngu to create the paintings, their spiritual connection to the environment and how this is expressed in their sacred art.

Break

Breaks can be scheduled for either 15 or 30 minutes depending on the time limitations of the school. We ask that students do not leave the museum precinct during this time. A kiosk and toilets are available on site.