Aboriginal Symbols... a rich and beautiful mode of cultural expression
The use of symbols as a mode to express and preserve important cultural stories is something that has been a part of Aboriginal culture all through-out history and is a practice which continues strongly today. Symbols are a wonderful way to introduce children to aspects of Aboriginal Australia, particularly in the context of artwork and story-telling.
Symbols vary across regions, and can sometimes be quite elaborate and multi-layered in their meanings, telling complex stories. Symbols, used through Aboriginal art, have survived for over thousands of years across a range of mediums, including through use in rock paintings and engravings, and Aboriginal art continues to be one of the oldest art forms practiced today.
There are many ways children can use symbols in activities. For example, you could use symbols in artwork to tell or draw a story, and have your children tell their stories to their classmates. Another idea is to use symbols on stones (painted on) to play games, e.g. tic tac toe.
Children can practice drawing symbols in sand (this can be done inside or out - in a sand pit or in a sand tray at a table). Playing ‘matching’ games with symbol flash cards is also a fun activity.
Our Aboriginal Symbol Cards are a fabulous starting point for introducing symbols to your children. We also encourage you to reach out to local Aboriginal groups in your region to find out more about specific symbols that they may use. Having a local person come into your centre to teach you about their culture is always the best and most enriching way to learn about any aspect of our culture!
Create a vibrant display of Aboriginal symbols with this set of 3 A2 illustrated posters.
Poster size 42cm x 59cm
Printed in Australia on 170gsm satin paper.
Designed and produced by Wingaru Education, a 100% Aboriginal-owned education specialist.
Shipped rolled.
A beautiful set of 20 Aboriginal symbols cards. The easy way to increase cultural insight of children by teaching them some commonly recognised Aboriginal symbols.
A6 size, printed on high quality 350gsm artboard, gloss laminate.
Aboriginal symbols are well known as an integral part of Aboriginal cultural life, history and in particular, art. Today, a variety of Aboriginal symbols are well used by contemporary Aboriginal artists.
Symbols play an important role in cultural transmission of information and are a special way in which Aboriginal stories are told and shared. Their use and meanings vary across the country and between Aboriginal groups. It is important to remember that context is significant; the meanings of Aboriginal symbols are not fixed and can be interpreted in different ways by different people.
Broadly speaking, Aboriginal symbols can be used to express stories around hunting and tracking, animals, connection to country, and people and community.
Suitable for ages 4+.
Engage children in learning about Aboriginal symbols through play with the Aboriginal Symbols Sign. Perfect for table top use (fix to table with blu-tack or double-sided tape), children can use this sign as a provocation around the use and meanings of Aboriginal Symbols; use with your art and craft and play dough activities!
It also looks great hung on your wall!
Specifications:
430 mm x 300 mm
Printed on high quality 350gsm gloss laminate card by Indigenous business Indigiprint
Design: Gamilaraay graphic designer, Mirii Designs.
Aboriginal symbols are well known as an integral part of Aboriginal cultural life, history and in particular, art. Today, a variety of Aboriginal symbols are well used by contemporary Aboriginal artists. We encourage you to connect with local Aboriginal artists and community and learn more about symbols from your local area.
Symbols play an important role in cultural transmission of information and are a special way in which Aboriginal stories are told and shared. Their use and meanings vary across the country and between Aboriginal groups. It is important to remember that context is significant; the meanings of Aboriginal symbols are not fixed and can be interpreted in different ways by different people.
Broadly speaking, Aboriginal symbols can be used to express stories around hunting and tracking, animals, connection to country, and people and community.