Indigenous Australia

Simon Hogan, Ian Rictor, Roy Underwood and Lennard Walker.
Spinifex people. Pukara, 2013

The sixth largest country in the world, with 7,617,930 square kilometres, is also a big unknown. Besides having the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is one of the most developed and wealthy countries (in terms of wealth, in 2013 Australia took up the second place in the world ranking after Switzerland). Its quality of life and its health and education systems make this nation one of the most perfect places to live.

The best known part of the Australian history better known started in 1788, when the British colony was established. The first of January, 1901, the six states (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia) along with the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory formed the Commonwealth of Australia.

But the Australian history is much more than that. It is believed that the first settlement occurred around 42,000 years ago. At that moment, the country was inhabited by indigenous Australians, who speak more than 250 different languages. Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, the indigenous population, were around 548,370 in 2011.

And thanks to the British Museum, now we can have access to this outstanding way of life. The Dreamtime, as a recurring topic, boomerangs, baskets, shields, masks and numerous art pieces will be presented in the biggest exhibition in the UK with Australia and the indigenous as a main theme.

The exposition will show the resilience and improvement of this country and the obstacles (political, social and cultural) that the indigenous people encounter for living and being in contact with a complex and changing world.

The exhibit will open tomorrow, 23rd of April, and it will be at the Museum until the 2nd of August. The entry will cost £10, under 16s free.

"We are all visitors to this time, this place. 

  We are just passing through. 

  Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love... 

  and then we return home. "

  Aboriginal proverb