Exploring the Spencer Cahore Collection: Unveiling Indigenous Art

The chapter delves into the historical importance of the Spencer Cahore collection of bark paintings from 1912 to 1922 in Arnhem Land, Australia, showcasing the emergence of a market for bark paintings and featuring works by well-known Aboriginal artists. It highlights the ethical considerations surrounding the exchange of cultural heritage for goods and the visit of Gunwinku artists to the Melbourne Museum to identify their ancestors' artwork. The episode also discusses the transformation of painting traditions in Western Arnhem Land before 1912, emphasizing the shift to creating smaller bark paintings for transportability and enabling cultural exchange.