American Museum of Natural History Research Library
author: American Museum of Natural History

Australian Bark Paintings (Exhibition)
birth: 1959 September 12
death: 1959 November 15
Exhibition. Opened September 12, 1959 and closed November 15, 1959. Located in the Corner Gallery at the American Museum of Natural History. "Australian Bark Paintings" examined how the people of Arnhem Land in Australia portrayed their way of life, myths, rituals, and magic in their bark paintings.
Summary
"Australian Bark Paintings" examined how the people of Arnhem Land in Australia portrayed their way of life, myths, rituals, and magic in their bark paintings. They were obtained for the Museum from the Aboriginal Reserve in Amhem Land. The styles of the paintings featured included cross-hatching, naturalistic representation and an X-ray style. Detailed labels explained the symbolic meaning of each painting. Harry L. Shapiro, Chairman of the Museum's Department of Anthropology at the Museum stated that with the growing interest in primitive art, the paintings were a valid manifestation of a true esthetic as well as of cultural interest. The exhibition was on view in the Corner Gallery of the American Museum of Natural History from September 12 through November 15, 1959.
Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: Aborginal Reserve in Arnhem Land, Australia.