Abstract
Traditional Aboriginal Australian cultures include a significant astronomical component, perpetuated through oral tradition and ceremony. This knowledge has practical navigational and calendrical functions, and in some cases extends to a deep understanding of the motion of objects in the sky. Here we explore whether this astronomical tradition is reflected in the rock art of Aboriginal Australians. We find several plausible examples of depictions of astronomical figures and symbols, and also evidence that astronomical observations were used to set out stone arrangements. However, we recognise that the identification of astronomical themes as a dominant feature of Aboriginal rock art is not yet unequivocal, and describe our plans for further research.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 99-106 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Rock Art Research |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright the Publisher [2011]. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.Keywords
- Aboriginal
- archaeoastronomy
- Australia
- ethnoastronomy
- rock art