So many stories preserved



The feeling of trying to uncover meanings

By Jasmine Baker

After a lengthy journey to Kakadu from Darwin, we arrived at an area surrounded by tropical scrub. Walking down a rocky path, we were greeted by beautiful swampy surroundings. The native flora in the area was a fascinating accompaniment to our walk in the hot, thick air. The scrub cleared and we arrived at a tall escarpment. After a short walk, we arrived at Ubirr - a beautiful site consisting of Indigenous rock art. The images presented to us were around 1500 years old, from the most recent freshwater period. The art allowed us to step back into this time, observing the abundance of food in the area - images of barramundi, goannas and echidnas. Some paintings are said to have been 2000-3000 years old. The feeling of trying to uncover meanings and piece these to aspects of history was nothing short of fascinating. We marvelled at what was before us, so many stories preserved over a period of time so hard to grasp. The most intriguing painting I found personally, was the image of a ship. It allowed me to imagine how land has shifted over time. I thought of what the meaning of this image would have held to the Indigenous people over time. This site was a collection of captivating art to us, but only hundreds of years ago it was a means of survival for those that walked there.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts

Plans in place for the 2022 Darwin trip

Image
  Getting ready to head-off to Darwin and surrounds on 16 Apri l The 2021 Premier's Anzac Spirit School Prize students will be travelling to Darwin and the Top End of the Northern Territory during April 2022.   The historical focus is learning about and commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin during World War 2.  As you will see from the itinerary below, the study tour also has a strong cultural and geographical focus as the group travels from Darwin to Kakadu, to Katherine and then onto Litchfield National Park.  The trip is booked and the itinerary is as follows: Sat, 16 April 2022 Depart Adelaide Airport to Darwin. Arrive Darwin. Larrakia Cultural session Overnight in Darwin at the Double Tree by Hilton on the Esplanade Hotel Sun, 17 April 2022 Darwin Bombing Cruise and Darwin War Museum - tour of Darwin environs. Overnight in Darwin at the Double Tree by Hilton on the Esplanade Hotel ...
Read more

Away to the Top End

Image
  First group photograph: At East Point after the Larrakia Cultural experience with Tony and Trent Lee. A  great day in Darwin - the following photographs show some of the highlights from the day. Trent welcoming the group Getting ready for the Larrakia salt water ceremony Throwing spears Making fire Tony playing the Didgeridoo and students accompanying Didgeridoo healing                                                                  Body painting with ochre Dinner at Stokes Hill Wharf Tomorrow  we will learn about the 1942 bombing of Darwin on the water, at the wharf, around Darwin and at the Darwin Military Museum - another busy day!
Read more