Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Anthropological and Archaeological Sciences
Abstract
Art history as a discipline remains dominated historically through Eurocentric frameworks, systematically marginalizing Indigenous artistic traditions, particularly pre-colonial Australian Aboriginal art. Despite evidence of profound antiquity and cultural richness, such art often occupies peripheral spaces in global narratives. This article addresses these limitations through an interdisciplinary approach, integrating precise archaeological dating methods—including radiocarbon analysis of mud wasp nests and uranium-series dating—with detailed art historical inquiry. Case studies focus specifically on landmark findings, such as the Gwion Gwion rock paintings in the Kimberley region (over 16,000 years old) and Australia’s oldest known in-situ kangaroo painting, dated approximately 17,300 years old. Comparative international examples drawn from Sulawesi cave art in Indonesia, San rock art heritage in South Africa, and Native American initiatives in museum curation illustrate effective models for conservation policy, curriculum reform, and Indigenous representation in global art contexts. Therefore, these recently validated chronologies offer a foundation to challenge entrenched Eurocentric biases, thus facilitating meaningful curricular transformation and effective cultural policy frameworks.
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.32474/JAAS.2025.10.000350
Publication Date
5-2025
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Bell, Allison and Hutson, James, "Integrating Pre-Colonial Indigenous Australian Art into Global Art History" (2025). Faculty Scholarship. 741.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/741