Lizardby Carol Young

Goannas & Lizards have a prominent place in the culture of indigenous Australians. This includes totemic and stories relationships, anthropomorphic representations in Dreamtime stories, and as a food source.

 Representations of goannas are common in indigenous artwork, not just as food, but also as a symbolic spiritual motif. Goannas and the mighty perentie are often considered two different animals when used in aboriginal works, as illustrated by the story. Aboriginal men and women carve animals from dry wood they find or tree roots they have dug up. They often use the roots of river gum or mulga.  They use the shape of the wood to make models of animals. Some sculptures are plain, while others have patterns and symbols relating to their Aboriginal culture. The Aboriginal artists make the sculptures beside the camp fire. They put a piece of fencing wire into the fire. When it is hot, they burn designs on the wood.