Australian Aboriginal Body Painting

The Australian Aboriginal people use body painting for more then just art. It has a meaning and significance to each individual. They use the painting in ceremonies and spiritual events also. The people have many different ways they do the painting and marking.

The art has a meaning for each person. These meanings can be some or all of the following: reflects their social position, relationship to their family group, specific ancestors, and a reference to animals or lands. Individuals cannot just change the art as they wish. They are painted with respected patterns, at times it will be the goal to transform the person into the spirit or person they are dancing for. To go with the painting the often wear a headdress, ornaments and have feathers placed on their bodies.

Some people still perform scaring methods on the skin. These marks are used to show age, initiation, or their social status. These marks are done by cutting the skin and then rubbing irritating elements into the cut to create permanent scarring and discoloration of the skin.

These designs and art are unique to each area. They vary from simple markings with clay to precise measurements. These markings are generally used for specialty ceremonies such as funerals. Men’s body paintings are generally more elaborate then women’s. Also a woman is not allowed to paint her own upper body, this task is assigned to a relative. These paintings are often made more elaborate with ornaments. Such as a featherhead dress or feathers and bright ropes around the leg.

These methods are still practiced today by many. They enjoy these rituals and hold them dear to their people. They are used for ceremonies and daily events.

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