Abstract: The most comprehensive and important work of its kind. The book covers everything from documented archaeological traditions and art styles, through to the development of the remarkably diverse contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practices that have attracted so much attention in recent years. Contents • Part 1. Foundations of being: 1. Religion 2. Ritual and sacred sites 3. Kinship and gender Colonial and post-colonial scenes: 4. Colonial continuities and discontinuities 5. Rock art revisited 6. Arnhem Land 7. Between islands 8. Queensland 9. Central Australia 10. The Kimberley 11. The southern states Renegotiating tradition: 12. Urban Aboriginal art 13. Film and communications 14. Literature 15. Music 16. Performance 17. Fibre-work and textiles 18. Cultural meeting places 19. Living spaces The public face of aboriginality: 20. Aboriginalities 21. Reception and recognition of Aboriginal art 22. Cross-cultural exchange 23. The way ahead Part 2. Alphabetical entries Appendix. Regional maps.