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Headshaping
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/headshaping/

Headshaping or binding was practised by a number of cultures and usually involved binding the forehead area of babies for a number of months till the desired shape was attained.

Published 26 October 2010

body art past exhibitions
Contemporary branding and cutting
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/contemporary-branding-and-cutting/

The process of scarification involves an endurance of pain. This endurance often signifies a rite of passage and is a ritual which is itself highly significant.

Published 26 October 2010

body art past exhibitions
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/sydney-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras/

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is an annual event centred around a street parade of up to 20,000 participants. Participants hide or reveal their 'true' identities in a flurry of paint, feathers and glitter.

Published 05 December 2018

body art past exhibitions
Uhi ta moko: Art and practice of Maori tattooing
https://australian.museum/learn/news/blog/uhi-ta-moko-art-and-practice-of-maori-tattooing/

As the art and practice of ta moko developed in Aotearoa - New Zealand, Maori pioneered the use of smaller, narrower uhi without teeth that cut grooves through the skin.

Published 17 February 2011

blog Polynesian art New Zealand Maori body art tattoo
Footbinding
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/footbinding/

Chinese folklore attributes the origins of footbinding to a fox who tried to conceal its paws while assuming the human guise of the Shang Empress. Another version suggests that the Empress had a club foot and insisted that all women bind their feet so that hers became the model for beauty.

Published 26 October 2010

body art past exhibitions
The Meaning of Ta Tau - Samoan Tattoing
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/the-meaning-of-ta-tau-samoan-tattoing/

The word tatau (tattoo) in Samoan means appropriate, balanced and fitting.

Published 26 October 2015

body art past exhibitions
The Meaning of Ta Moko - Maori Tattooing
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/the-meaning-of-ta-moko-maori-tattooing/

Ta Moko was like a history of a person's achievements and represented their status in their tribe.

Published 30 September 2015

past exhibition body art
Tattooing - Earliest examples
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/tattooing-earliest-examples/

Tattooed markings on skin and incised markings in clay provide some of the earliest evidence that humans have long practised a wide range of body art.

Published 26 October 2010

body art past exhibitions
Papua New Guinea Scarification
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/papua-new-guinea-scarification/

In Papua New Guinea, scarification is usually related to initiation. In the middle Sepik region, it is believed that migrating ancestral crocodiles established human populations.

Published 26 October 2010

body art past exhibitions
Aboriginal Scarification
https://australian.museum/about/history/exhibitions/body-art/aboriginal-scarification/

In Australia, scarring was practised widely, but is now restricted almost entirely to parts of Arnhem Land. Scarring is like a language inscribed on the body, where each deliberately placed scar tells a story of pain, endurance, identity, status, beauty, courage, sorrow or grief.

Published 26 October 2010

body art past exhibitions

Tails from the Coasts

Presented with the National Museum of Singapore, this culturally significant collection of watercolours brings to life extraordinary species and captivating stories.

Special exhibition
On now

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Burra

Be transported on an immersive journey through the eyes of burra (eel) in the Australian Museum’s learning and play space.

Permanent kids learning space
10am - 4.30pm

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RELICS

Vintage objects meet miniature LEGO® worlds in RELICS: A New World Rises, an extraordinary exhibition created by LEGO® Masters winners. Opening 16 August at the Australian Museum.

Special Exhibition
Opens 16 August 2025

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Minerals

Be dazzled by over 1800 spectacular rocks and minerals in our new Minerals Gallery.

Permanent exhibition
Open daily

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