Aboriginal art has survived the colonial period to become a major feature ofontemporary Australian society. This book surveys the great variety inboriginal art, from ancient rock paintings to powerful modern works incrylic on canvas. The patterns and symbols of Aboriginal art, though theyay at first appear abstract, are laden with meaning. Morphy explains theocial contexts in which art is made and its religious significance.;The bookses a contextual approach to show the interrelationships between suchiverse art forms as body painting, dance, the decoration of weapons andtensils, and painting on bark, board and canvas. The text is illustratedith outstanding examples, many published here for the first time. Today,boriginal art is seen as an expression of Aboriginal history, culture anddentity. This text explains why its international audience is growing.

Introduction 4 (7)
 1 A Journey to Recognition The `Discovery' 11 (30)
 of Aboriginal Art
 2 A Lasting Record Rock Art as History 41 (24)
 3 Foundations Art, Religion and the 65 (36)
 Dreaming
 4 A Totemic Landscape Art, Maps and People 101(42)
 5 The Kinship of Art Art and Society 143(38)
 6 The Power of Art Art, Ritual and 181(38)
 Aesthetics
 7 Engaging the Other Art and the Survival 219(42)
 of Aboriginal Society
 8 Transformations The Contemporary Art of 261(56)
 Central Australia
 9 Settler Australia The Survival of Art in 317(36)
 Adversity
 10 Documents of Change The Art of William 353(16)
 Barak and Tommy McRae
 11 Contemporary Developments Aboriginal 369(53)
 Art and the Avant-Garde
 & Glossary 422(3)
 Brief Biographies 425(4)
 Key Dates 429(3)
 Map 432(2)
 Further Reading 434(6)
 Index 440(6)
 Acknowledgements 446