Allison Bell

Art history as a discipline remains dominated historically through Eurocentric frameworks, systematically marginalizing Indigenous artistic traditions, particularly pre-colonial Australian Aboriginal art. Despite evidence of profound antiquity and cultural richness, such art often occupies peripheral spaces in global narratives. This article addresses these limitations through an interdisciplinary approach, integrating precise archaeological dating methods—including radiocarbon analysis of mud wasp nests and uranium-series dating—with detailed art historical inquiry. Case studies focus specifically on landmark findings, such as the Gwion Gwion rock paintings in the Kimberley region (over 16,000 years old) and Australia's oldest known in-situ kangaroo painting, dated approximately 17,300 years old. Comparative international examples drawn from Sulawesi cave art in Indonesia, San rock art heritage in South Africa, and Native American initiatives in museum curation illustrate effective models for conservation policy, curriculum reform, and Indigenous representation in global art contexts. Therefore, these recently validated chronologies offer a foundation to challenge entrenched Eurocentric biases, thus facilitating meaningful curricular transformation and effective cultural policy frameworks.

Indigenous Australian artworks and heritage sites represent some of the oldest continuous artistic and cultural traditions in human history. Yet, these invaluable cultural assets face persistent threats due to inadequate and inconsistent legislative protections. Recent events, particularly the destruction of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters, underscore the critical need for a comprehensive review of Australia's heritage protection frameworks. This article addresses the research question: How do legislative frameworks, governmental management strategies, and cross-cultural approaches to heritage preservation impact the protection, research, and global recognition of ancient Indigenous Australian artworks? A systematic examination of historical and contemporary federal and state legislation, coupled with comparative international analysis focusing notably on Greece's centralized heritage preservation strategies, provides the methodological foundation for this study. Key findings indicate significant disparities and enforcement gaps within Australia's legislative landscape, highlighting both the limitations of existing laws and successful practices such as Indigenous-led co-management exemplified at sites like Budj Bim and Murujuga. Furthermore, cross-cultural comparative analyses underscore essential lessons for strengthening legislative protections, community involvement, and sustainable funding models. The results signify that robust, Indigenous-informed legislative frameworks, supported by consistent implementation and global collaborative strategies, substantially enhance heritage outcomes and community empowerment.