Introduction

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

Their motivation was the repeated desecration of the sacred places by strangers. It was hoped that this sharing of knowledge would help non-Yolngu understand the community's laws and their custodial rights to the area.

The powerful paintings of the Saltwater Collection reveal previously secret spiritual knowledge. Explaining the basis of Yolngu ownership of Saltwater Country, the paintings are also maps and legal documents - some having been used in court cases on sea rights.

Program synopsis

Students first visit the museum's 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.

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.

Program structure

Program - 60 minutes

Students visit our Eora - First People exhibition, view the Yolngu art on display and learn about the Yolngu people and why they created the bark 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.

Our teacher guides will link the program to the particular subject area the students are studying.