The art of Aboriginal bark paintings dates back several thousand years. They originated in Australia and usually entailed using the interior part of the tree. They would strip out the bark and use the flat, smooth side for their paintings. They were generally used for ceremonial purposes, and that practice continues to this day in areas like Arnhem Land.
The earliest bark painting on recorded was during the 1800s by a French artist who recorded the craft as it was etched on a bark laid over a grave.
Why Were Bark Paintings Created?
The paintings served a similar purpose to books we read nowadays. Aboriginal bark paintings were used for storytelling and instructions. The paintings would be drawn with the purpose of depicting different facets of aboriginal life. The stories would carry the clan’s sign, which was equivalent to the artist signing his or her name.
Creating these pieces of art would take both time and patience, but most of all, the precision to ensure that they were beautiful. The bark would be stripped off the native eucalyptus tree, and then they would choose the best part of the bark as their canvas. It would usually be chosen by trimming the bark and then putting it against a flame so that it would dry. Later primary colors like yellow, black, red, and white would be used for the painting.
Bark Painting Designs
All aboriginal art paintings would have a story associated with them. It is part of their charm and the reason why enthusiasts like Marc continue to be fascinated with it. The paintings have several elements; every one of these elements has a meaning associated with it. The most common are dividing lines, border, featured blocks, cross-hatching, ground, geometric designs, etc.
Some of the elements are easier to decipher, but others aren’t all that obvious. So, most people may be able to see a series of lines and circles. However, for those who understand what they mean, it conveys a story.
Have Aboriginal Bark Paintings that Tell a Story?
Marc Pinto is a dealer and collector of aboriginal bark paintings. He is often intrigued by the stories they tell and is usually in the market for the best-preserved or the rarest pieces available.
If you are in possession of aboriginal bark paintings, that you might want to part with, contact Marc. Send us pictures via the form on this page and allow a few days for us to estimate its worth. It is possible to get in touch with Marc via WhatsApp via +61411866227
Below are examples of what Marc is looking for.