Aboriginal Art FAQ - Buying Authentic Art Ethically & Online

Artlandish Aboriginal Art Gallery has been helping people buy authentic Aboriginal art for 25 years, so we know the questions that come up before you commit to a piece. This FAQ covers key areas to help you get answers fast.

General FAQ: For those new to Aboriginal Art and want quick answers to some simple but important questions.

Buying FAQ: If you are ready to become an owner of a unique piece of amazing art then this will answer your questions on how to make that happen.

Authenticity FAQ: Gives you the essential information regarding Authenticity, ethics and certificates so you can ensure you are buying authentic, ethically responsible Indigenous art. Also covers certificates of authenticity and related ethical practises.

Shipping FAQ:  Covers what you need to know about Shipping, packing and returns.

General FAQ's

What is Aboriginal Art?

Aboriginal Art refers to the traditional artwork created by the Indigenous people of Australia. It encompasses a variety of mediums including paintings on canvas, linen, bark, rock carvings, and body painting, often depicting stories from the Dreamtime.

How old is Aboriginal Art?

Rock art created by Indigenous people in Australia is believed to be the oldest continuously practiced artistic tradition in the world, with estimates dating it back over 60,000 years.

What do the symbols in Aboriginal art mean?

Common symbols can represent people, campsites, waterholes, animals, travel lines and more, but meanings vary between language groups and artists. Our artwork descriptions explain key symbols used in each piece, and our Aboriginal art symbols guides provide more detail.

What is “Dreamtime” or “The Dreaming” in Aboriginal art?

Dreamtime, or The Dreaming, refers to the creation era and ongoing spiritual law that shapes Aboriginal culture and connection to Country. Many artworks depict Dreaming stories passed down through generations of families and communities.

What is the difference between ochre and acrylic Aboriginal paintings?

Ochre paintings use natural earth pigments, often collected from the ground and mixed with binders, giving a rich, crusty, thick finish associated with traditional rock and bark art. Acrylic paintings use modern paints on canvas, allowing for brighter colours and very fine dot work. Check out the article The Difference between ochre & acrylic paint in Aboriginal Art that goes into more detail.

Why are dots commonly used in Aboriginal paintings?

Dots were used to hide sacred symbols and messages. When Indigenous art began to be more commercialised, many artists started using dots to obscure the sacred designs underneath. They have become one of the most recognised features to immediately identify an art genre. Nowadays dots are used to represent many different parts of Indigenous culture and that varies greatly depending on the region and groups within it.  

How is Aboriginal Art used in ceremonies?

Art, in the form of body paint or ceremonial objects, plays a significant role in various indigenous ceremonies, helping to tell stories and convey deep spiritual beliefs.

What stories do Aboriginal artworks tell?

Many artworks depict stories from the Dreamtime, ancestral tales, and significant events or lessons. They can also represent the land, animals, and daily life.

Why do some Aboriginal artworks look similar?

Each Aboriginal artist paints "Dreamings" or Stories that belong to their family, language group, and Country. These "Dreamings" have been passed down through many generations and carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Because artists can only paint the Dreamings they have inherited or been given permission to share, you may see artworks by the same artist that appear similar in design, story, or theme. These are not copies or prints but original pieces that express the same ancestral story in unique ways. While the Dreaming itself never changes, artists may choose to represent it in different sizes or colour tones. This allows them to share their personal interpretation or highlight different aspects of Country and experience, while always staying true to the same cultural story. It also means every piece is a unique part of over 60,000 years of continued culture.

What mediums are the artworks painted with?

The artworks are created using either acrylic paint or natural ochres on canvas or linen, occasionally bark or wood or something else but that’s rare. The choice of medium often depends on the artist’s region and cultural traditions. For example, many artists from the Kimberley and Arnhem Land regions continue to use natural ochres, reflecting the ancient painting practices of their ancestors. Artists from the Central and Western Desert regions commonly use acrylics, which allow for vibrant colours and fine dot work that suit their contemporary storytelling styles. Each medium holds its own cultural and artistic significance, connecting traditional knowledge with modern expression.

What’s the story behind the artwork?

Each Aboriginal artwork comes with its own Dreaming or Story, explaining its meaning, symbols, and cultural significance. The full Artwork Story and Artist Biography are included on every product page of our website and also shared on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

How long did it take the artist to paint this?

Every artwork is the result of many hours, often weeks, of patience, focus, and deep cultural connection. Aboriginal artists paint with extraordinary attention to detail, layering symbols and patterns that tell stories passed down through generations. The time it takes varies depending on the size, complexity, and technique of the piece, but each one represents a huge personal and cultural commitment. Every dot, line, and colour choice is part of the artist’s storytelling. It’s not just painting, it’s preserving culture. Some artists who paint with ochre insist on digging it from the ground and mixing it themselves. So a lot of time and effort goes into these stunning creations.

Is it appropriate to display Wandjina artwork outside of its traditional region?

Wandjina imagery holds profound sacred significance for the Worrora, Wunumbal, and Ngarinyin Aboriginal nations of the remote Kimberley region in Western Australia. The Wandjina is their supreme creator and maker of the earth, and these three language groups are recognized as the only Aboriginal nations entitled to depict the Wandjina, a right respected by all other Aboriginal groups.​ At Artlandish, we only display Wandjina artworks that have been:

• Created by authorized Aboriginal artists from the appropriate Kimberley language groups
• Painted with the proper cultural authority and permissions
• Accompanied by certificates of authenticity verifying the artist’s cultural connection

When you purchase Wandjina art from Artlandish, you can be supremely confident that:

• The artist has the cultural right to paint these sacred images
• The artwork has been created following proper cultural protocols​
• Your purchase directly supports Aboriginal artists and their communities

Displaying Wandjina artwork respectfully: We encourage collectors to treat these works with the reverence they deserve. Display them prominently as the significant cultural treasures they are, and share the story of the artist and their cultural connection with visitors to your home or office.

Is this real? Is this Aboriginal Art?

This is not real, this is AI generated. It’s very cool looking and it could be done for real but boy would that take some time to complete. It would take years for an artist to paint something of that size and detail.

Is it okay to buy Aboriginal Art?

Absolutely! However, it’s important to ensure its ethically sourced and comes from a reputable gallery, art dealer or centre. Buying from authentic sources supports Aboriginal artists and their communities in a big way and helps the oldest continuous culture in history survive and thrive.

How do I buy Aboriginal art online from Artlandish?

Choose an artwork, click Add to cart, then proceed to our secure checkout where you can enter your shipping and payment details. Once your order is confirmed we carefully pack your artwork and email you tracking details.

How do I choose the right Aboriginal artwork for my home?

Start with what you’re drawn to visually, then consider the story, colours, size and where it will hang. Use the "View art in your room" feature on every product page to see what each piece looks like on your wall. There is also 20+ mock up rooms where you can see what any artwork looks like too. Just look for this section on any product page:

What makes Artlandish different from other Aboriginal art galleries?

Artlandish is a family-owned business, and the first artists we worked with were friends of the family. They were people family members knew in everyday life, which helped shape the relaxed and genuine way we still do things today. We didn’t come from a traditional gallery background, and we like to think that’s a good thing! It’s helped us stay down-to-earth and break away from the usual art world stereotypes.;) From day one, we’ve always paid artists upfront & generously, and we’ve invested heavily back into the local community. We understand the importance of exceptional customer service and will bend over backwards to make sure you are happy. That's reflected in the quality of our reviews. We are pedantic about delivering your new artwork to you as quickly as possible. We’re just as excited to send a $180 artwork to a first-time buyer as we are to ship a $7,000 piece to a long-time collector. After all, every art journey starts somewhere! We work with many artists who live in very remote regions and may not have reliable internet access, yet they are able to sell their artworks all over the world. Seeing that happen, when that might otherwise be very difficult, is always exciting. Of course we focus on ethical purchasing, accurate provenance, and high-quality Aboriginal art, but it's these other factors we spoke of above, that sets us apart.

Can I place a lay‑by or part‑payment plan on an artwork?

Yes, we offer flexible lay‑by/payment plans on many artworks. If lay-by is available the option will be on the product page and then you can choose between 4 weeks, 6 months or a year.

Do you sell prints or only original artworks?

All artworks at Artlandish are 100% originals. We don’t sell reproductions or prints. Each piece is a genuine, one-of-a-kind creation that carries the artist’s heritage, story, and individual expression, making every purchase something truly special and irreplaceable in both cultural and artistic value.

Are there any restrictions on exporting Aboriginal Art?

It’s always best to check current customs regulations in your local country. Generally, if purchased legally and ethically, there shouldn’t be significant issues.

Can I commission a custom Aboriginal artwork?

In some cases we can arrange commissions with artists we work closely with, depending on their availability and cultural considerations. Contact us with your size, colours and budget and we’ll let you know what’s possible.

Can I insure my Aboriginal art and what value should I use?

Yes, artworks can be added to your home or specialist art insurance. Use your purchase invoice as the initial value and keep it with your Certificate of Authenticity for your records.

Is Aboriginal art a good investment?

Many Aboriginal artists have strong secondary‑market results and long‑term growth, but we always recommend buying first for love and connection rather than speculation. We’re happy to discuss artists with established reputations if investment in Aboriginal Art is important to you.

Can I view artworks in person at your gallery?

Yes, you can visit Artlandish Aboriginal Art Gallery at 10 Papuana Street, Kununurra in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. We’re open most days and are happy to show you any artworks you’re interested in.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, AMEX, PayPal, direct bank transfer and Afterpay/lay‑by options where available. If you need another payment method, contact us and we’ll do our best to help.

How do you ensure Aboriginal artists are fairly paid?

We purchase artworks outright and pay artists in full upfront so if they do the work today they get paid today. They do not need to wait for the artwork to be sold as many artists around the world do. They do not need to wait for an exhibition to finish or a monthly payment date. All artists are paid before any discounts or promotions, so any sale or special offer is absorbed by Artlandish, not the artist. We have paid more than $6.5 million dollars to artists over more than two decades and proudly support ethical trading practices. We also wrote a detailed article on "How artists are paid".

What is included in the Certificate of Authenticity?

The certificate lists the artist’s name, language group, community/region, artwork title, size, medium and we also include the story of the artwork and artist biography. It is signed by the gallery manager and includes the date and our gallery details for provenance.

How do I know the artwork is authentic?

Every artwork at Artlandish is a genuine, original Aboriginal artwork created by the artist named on the Certificate of Authenticity. Each certificate is issued and signed by Artlandish Gallery and confirms key details such as the artist’s name, community, artwork title, size, medium, and Dreaming or Story. All pieces are sourced directly from the artist or their authorised representative, established galleries, art centres or well know professional art dealers. We guarantee that every artwork is authentic and ethically acquired. Artlandish has worked with hundreds of Aboriginal artists since 2001 with over 20,800 artworks sold to 10,200+ collectors and art lovers in more than 38 countries. We’re proud members of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia, upholding the highest ethical standards in every piece we offer. This year we are celebrating 25 years in business!

What happens if my artwork arrives damaged?

In the rare event of damage, contact us immediately with photos of the packaging and artwork. Because all shipments are insured we will arrange a repair, replacement or full refund for you.

How is my artwork packed for shipping?

We pack each artwork using professional art‑packing materials, including rigid tubes or custom cartons, corner protection and layers that protect the paint surface. Our packing is designed to withstand long‑distance travel and if the worst happened the artworks are fully insured.

Is shipping really free?

Yes, we offer free worldwide shipping on all artworks unless otherwise stated. Very occasionally we may have a piece we can't ship internationally for free but it's very rare and it will be clearly noted on the artwork page before you purchase.

Do you ship Aboriginal art internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide and regularly send artworks to clients in Europe, North America, Asia and more than 35 other countries. All shipments are fully insured and include tracking and shipping worldwide is 100% FREE!.

Can I return an artwork if I change my mind?

Yes, we offer a 100% moneyback  guarantee. If you’re not happy when your artwork arrives, contact us within 30 days to arrange a return or exchange, provided the artwork is in original condition. Visit our moneyback guarantee page for more details.

More Questions?

If your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to get in touch. You can also explore our Aboriginal Art Library to dive deeper into all aspects of Aboriginal Art and Indigenous culture including Dreaming stories, symbols, regional styles and much more!