What Traditional Tools Are Used to Create Aboriginal Art?

Australia knows how to preserve one of the oldest and most beautiful artistic traditions, i.e., Aboriginal art. It is the best art form, reflecting deep cultural connections and hidden indigenous stories passed down through generations. While modern artists use fancy, expensive tools to create their craft, many continue to use tools that have been used to create Aboriginal art for hundreds of years.   These traditional tools may pose a challenge when creating art, but when used properly, they can take your artwork to the next level. It connects each piece to ancient customers and lifestyles. To help you better understand, we are sharing a list of traditional tools used to create Aboriginal art.    

Add Colours Using Natural Pigments 

Since ancient times, Aboriginal artists have prepared their paint colours from natural pigments found in the environment. These are chemical free and super pigmented. Ochre is the most important material and is available in the shades of red, brown, white, and yellow. These colours are ground into a fine powder and mixed with water, animal fat, or plant sap to create paint. The best part is that each colour signifies cultural meaning, which is connected to specific regions, stories or ceremonies in Australia.    

Plant Fibre Based Brushes

When there were no plastic brushes, Aboriginal artists used to create paint brushes using plant fibres, small sticks and feathers. Sometimes, human hair was also used to create brushes for different purposes. These handmade tools help draw fine lines, dots and intricate patterns, especially in styles such as dot painting.     

Sticks for Dot Painting

  There is no denying that dot painting is the most popular form of Aboriginal art worldwide. The craft is imprinted on the rocks using thin sticks or the ends of small wooden tools. The sticks help create consistent dot shapes and patterns that depict stories, landscapes and symbols. The best part is that each dot is placed with intention.   

Wooden Carving Tools 

  Believe it or not! Wood has always been a key material in Indigenous culture in Australia. Indigenous artists use carving tools made from stone, bone or shells to shape wooden objects such as shields, spears, coolamons and ceremonial items. The carvings usually include symbolic patterns that illustrate identity and cultural knowledge. 

Use of Burnt Sticks for Drawing 

Did you know that Charcoal from burnt sticks can be used for Aboriginal art pieces? You can use it to mark rock surfaces or bark. The soft and dark textures of charcoal help artists to sketch, add shades and detail to their masterpiece.    

Body Painting Tools 

Yes, you are right! Aboriginal people used fingers and even chewed sticks to craft different paint designs on the body. The best part is that these designs depict spiritual meaning or connect you with indigenous culture and stories.    

Wrapping Up 

These are some of the most common tools used to create Aboriginal art in Australia. Many artists still use these tools to maintain the relevancy of Aboriginal artistic practices today.