Friday, May 9, 2008

Aboriginal Rock Art: Flinders Ranges

One of the places we frequent on a regular basis is a local Flinders Ranges Adnyamathanha Rock Art site. At this site, there are a collection of traditional rock paintings depicting different facets of Adnyamathanha life. For more information go to http://www.bookabee.com.au/


This site is under threat from senseless vandalism by persons whom obviously have little regard value or respect for the preservation of the cultural icons and treasures that enrich the diversity of the "real Australian" past.


The Vandalism photographed below is a good example of the mindless destruction of culture. If the bright sparks knew the true origins and meanings of this symbol, they'd probably think twice about using it. just goes to show you can be as thick as two short planks but still somehow manage to work out how to scratch a symbol onto a rock. Pity this person wasn't smart enough to write their own name next to it so we could thank them personally. I guess it is easier for people with limited brain capacity to scratch a symbol than spell long words... (besides, his mum probably never told him how to spell his name anyway...)



Cheers.
Haydyn Bromley

Bookabee Tours Australia



1 comment:

Anonymous said...

G'day Haydyn,

Knowing the true origins and meaning of this symbol, I am shocked and ashamed to see a cultural site dishonoured with an emblem that reminds on a very dark point in the history of mankind.

You have a very interesting blog. I love the photos, especially the lizards. Sweet memories on my trips to Australia and the Flinders Ranges.
Keep up the good work.

Rita

Bookabee Tours Australia

Escape to the spectacular Flinders Ranges for a relaxing weekend or short holiday with a unique Aboriginal cultural experience. Join Haydyn on a trip into his traditional homeland area of the Flinders Ranges and share a cultural experience 40,000 years in the making. Listen to Adnyamathanha Creation stories at traditional significant sites and see ancient paintings and engravings. Learn about the history of the area in the beautiful Ranges landscape with rugged mountains, scenic gorges, ruins of early settlement and abundant wildlife.

Your chauffeured 4WD tour is an all inclusive package with everything catered for - deluxe accommodation, meals, entry fees, tours to significant sites and the sharing of extensive knowledge, interpretations of the land and Aboriginal cultural stories from your Aboriginal tour guide.