These paintings depict an aerial view of the country, representing the
lay of the land as created by ancestral beings during their journeys
of creation. These ancestors are often a combination of animal-like
creatures with human characteristics and frailties, and it is their adventures
which
have served to shape the landscape, while at the same time establishing
the laws under which the Aboriginal societies operate. A typical and
common story for example, is one of the taboo of any relationship between
a man
and his mother-in-law (or any woman who comes from the ‘skin’ group
from where a mother-in-law is drawn). Any such relationship is followed
by dire consequences in these ancient stories, and therefore to this
day, it is forbidden for a man and his mother-in-law to communicate
in any way
whatsoever.
