Art and identity: Aboriginal rock art and dendroglyphs of Queensland's Wet Tropics

Aboriginal rock art and dendroglyphs in Queensland's Wet Tropics reveal that cultural identity, rather than language, was the primary determinant of stylistic choices. The study analyzed 45 rock art sites and 12 dendroglyph sites across six language areas, finding distinct eastern and western rock art styles that often transcend linguistic boundaries. Dendroglyphs, predominantly non-figurative in the east, contrast with figurative rock art, suggesting distinct roles for these visual expressions. The research employed both quantitative (site and motif recording) and qualitative methods (interviews with Aboriginal people), emphasizing collaboration to contextualize findings within broader cultural landscapes. This work highlights the significance of rock art and dendroglyphs as living elements of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Buhrich, A. (2017). Art and identity: Aboriginal rock art and dendroglyphs of Queensland's Wet Tropics [James Cook University]. https://doi.org/10.4225/28/5AFA34CFB90E8