Portrait of an Urban Aborigine

Ted Szukalski

Aborigines use dance traditionally as a form of expression. The dances describe aboriginal communal life, human relationships, as well as the bond of the people with the land and other people.
Modern Aboriginal artists often perform these dances in public. However, they also keep many dances secret for their sacred ceremonies.
A body painting seen on aboriginal performers relate to their customs, laws and believes and seldom are just artistic expressions.
Many Indigenous dance groups perform in order to preserve their culture and customs and to pass these to young generation.
Aboriginal Elder Cedric, Closed Eyes

Aboriginal Elder Cedric, Dreamtime

Aboriginal Elder Cedric, Hands Stretched Forward

Aboriginal Elder Cedric, Hand Up


Aboriginal Elder Cedric, Playing Sticks

wxwax

I like #4 a lot. Sure wish his eyes were open in #2, it's awfully good otherwise.

Interesting piece of culture, thanks for showing it to us.

binghott

cool pictures, but i thought aboriginal people believe that you steal part of their soul when you take a picture of them?

Ted Szukalski

The closed eyes and a title of this photograph (#2) are in close correlation. The term dreamtime refers to aboriginal stories from "before time".

wxwax wrote:

I like #4 a lot. Sure wish his eyes were open in #2, it's awfully good otherwise.

Interesting piece of culture, thanks for showing it to us.

Ted Szukalski

The performers at Sydney Circular Quay are just that - modern day buskers. They not only don't mind the pictures they encourage the photographers (for a small donation). And if you buy their CDs you'll get even warmer response.

binghott wrote:

cool pictures, but i thought aboriginal people believe that you steal part of their soul when you take a picture of them?