Power and Contrast in 'Hunter and Emu' Artwork

This painting depicts the power and contrast of an aboriginal practice. A reproduction from pre-1914 commissioned by a European collector.

00:00:02 This painting depicts a hunter and the carcass of a spear emu. It showcases the aboriginal practice of distinguishing inside knowledge and outside information. The artwork represents power and contrast in its composition.

🎨 This painting is by an unknown artist from Western Arnhem Land and depicts a hunter and the carcass of a spear emu.

🌟 The painting showcases the Aboriginal practice of distinguishing inside knowledge from publicly revealed information through the portrayal of internal and external features.

🔍 The careful articulation of the emu's internal organs represents the rules governing the distribution of meat among the Genninku based on people's status.