Marra Wonga facts for kids
Marra Wonga (also called Turraburra) is a very important place in Queensland, Australia. It used to be known as Gracevale. This site is famous for its amazing Aboriginal rock art. It's located near the town of Barcaldine.
Marra Wonga is a huge rock shelter made of sandstone. It stretches for more than 160 metres! Inside, you can find 111 stencils and over 15,000 petroglyphs. Petroglyphs are special carvings made into the rock. Some of these artworks are more than 5,000 years old.
Contents
Discovering Ancient Art at Marra Wonga
Marra Wonga is like a giant outdoor art gallery. It shows us how people lived and created art thousands of years ago. This site is a treasure for understanding Australia's past.
What are Petroglyphs?
Most of the art at Marra Wonga consists of petroglyphs. These are images or symbols carved into the rock. They are different from paintings, which use colours. The petroglyphs here are often lines, grooves, or drilled holes. Many show tracks of animals. There's even a unique carving of human feet with six toes!
Unique Artworks to Explore
Besides animal tracks, Marra Wonga has some very special designs. You can see star-like shapes carved into the rock. These stars have a small hole in the middle. There are also large, snake-like designs. These long carvings often run over or through other petroglyphs. This shows how different artworks were added over time.
Stencils and Their Stories
The site also has 111 stencils. Stencils are made by placing an object against the rock. Then, paint is sprayed around it. When the object is removed, its shape is left on the rock. This is another way ancient artists created images.
Protecting Marra Wonga for the Future
In 2019, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) bought the Marra Wonga site. The ILSC is part of the Australian Government. They bought it for the Iningai people. The Iningai are the traditional owners of this land.
Who Manages the Site Now?
Today, the Yambangku Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development Aboriginal Corporation (YACHATDAC) manages Marra Wonga. This group works to protect the site. They also want to share its history and culture with others.
Plans for Education and Tourism
There are exciting plans for Marra Wonga. The YACHATDAC wants to build a big education centre. This centre will help people learn about the site's history. It will also teach about the culture of the Iningai people. This will help future generations understand and appreciate this important place.
See also
