On what will become the southern Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, distinctive paintings capture spirit beings, Quinkans, that make the area unique.
They’re part of the colourful art that’ll be left behind from the ice age and across successive generations of Aboriginal people who practise the remarkable tradition here.
Mushroom Rock, a spacious sandstone rock overhang in what will become the Laura Basin, is home to some of the earliest art on Quinkan Country.
This rock shelter is located in the Laura River valley, an important living area, meeting place and travel route for Aboriginal people.
Some of the paintings are messages telling people about local foods like yams and fish.
Others were made to honour sacred ancestors or totems, called ‘Stories’.
All rock paintings teach respect for country.
The artists make their paints from local earth pigments.
Red, orange, purple and yellow ochres come from the ground.
Sometimes yellow paints are made from termite mound material.
White clays come from the creek beds.