Children and Rock Art: A Case Study from Western Arnhem Land, Australia

In this paper, we explore the social context of rock art creation through the lens of one woman’s childhood experiences in, what is now, Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. We reflect upon oral history interviews conducted over the last three years with Warrdjak Senior Traditional Owner Josie Gumbuwa Maralngurra and her childhood spent walking country with family. As a witness to vast numbers of rock paintings being created, and sometimes an active participant in that process, Josie’s memories provide rare insights into the social and cultural context of rock art practices during the late 1950s and early 1960s. We argue that Josie’s personal experiences provide solid evidence for both the educational role that rock art continued to play across the region during the 20th century and its role as a tool for helping to ensure intergenerational connection to country.