After our visit to the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, I began to truly understand the vast difference in our culture compared to that of the Aboriginal people. A lot of the stories relating to artefacts on display were left unspoken which I believe is because there can be a lot of misunderstanding when translated between two cultures, however, I feel there is also more to this. These artefacts are a representation of a culture that we have no relation to, so what the Aboriginal people may think is a very important part of their culture, we may not understand the significance. Whereas, we see those artefacts as a representation of how another culture learns, grows and survives, and that in itself is where our interest is generated from. Having the equivalent objects/purposes we are familiar with, but approached from a different cultural perspective can be more meaningful to people who have no previous experience with the cultural background of the Aboriginal people. Methodologies can be such a powerful representation of a culture, and these objects in themselves are art and their stories can be understood just by knowing their purpose in everyday life.
This exhibition really reflected the Aboriginal people's connection with the Earth and nature. I have such an appreciation of how they were able to survive and prosper without the need for anything produced in the Industrial Revolution. Their tools and everything they needed to survive were taken from the Earth in such a way as not to disrupt the balance. With this comes such a feeling of unity and serenity. There is also the feeling that layers and layers of history, knowledge and meaning run deep within every artefact and artwork that has been preserved.
Well worth a visit!
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
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