The Importance Of Aboriginal Cultures

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Recommended: Reflection on aboriginal culture

In the last unit, we explored the incredible achievements of several cultures throughout the American continents. Through the stone carvings, structures, and art these cultures left behind, we were able to draw conclusions about their culture and way of life. Unfortunately, there will always be more questions than answers about these cultures. Although we may not be able to fully understand and appreciate these incredible cultures of the past, it is imperative that we respect and hope to understand the ancient cultures that exist still today. Early-western-European explorers, regrettably, did not possess this sentiment while exploring the unknown world. Essentially disregarding any hint of human compassion for their treatment of others …show more content…

With this understanding, several creation myths will be analyzed in congruence with pieces of Aboriginal art depicting such stories. Beginning with arguably the oldest deity on earth, figure 1 is a representation of the Dreamer Rainbow Serpent. In the painting we see a coiled-up snake with a ridged backline and an intense smile. The use of natural pigments on planks of bark as seen here is very common in Aboriginal art. The use of big black eyes are a common occurrence when depicting Dreamers as well. Most of the creation myths place the Rainbow Serpent as one of the main instigators of the earth’s creation. Based on some stories, this Dreamer hibernated under the flat earth before there was anything. It then rose from slumber to awaken other Dreamers. Overall, this figure represents the cyclical nature of the universe. Hence the name Rainbow, it was associated with the life-giving aspects of water. It could also take away life by drowning those who disobeyed the Dreamers laws (Arthur & Morphy, 2015). After helping create the world, it is believed that the Rainbow Serpent went back into hibernation at the base of a sacred

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