Postcards with Aboriginal subjects

Aboriginal art and artefact collecting goes back to early first contact times. In fact local Aboriginals around Sydney use to trade artefacts with visiting ships from the earliest days.

Curio collecting has always been part of early exploration of the new world. Ceremonial adornment items that were made of perishable material were not preserved for future use and so early examples are very collectable. Early shields, clubs and boomerangs that were cherished as favourites and had developed a deep colour and patina are preferred.

Historical items that were collected by early notable pioneers, explorers or anthropologists are of high interest more... to collectors. Some areas are collected because the artistic expression makes them more appealing when displayed.

Production of artefacts has never ceased and are still made today for sale.

Some examples of collectable Aboriginal artefacts are:

• Boomerangs: A type of curved wooden tool used for hunting and warfare, as well as a recreational tool.
• Didgeridoos: A long wooden instrument used for music and ceremonies.
• Woomeras: A type of spear-throwing device that was used in hunting.
• Coolamons: A shallow wooden dish used for carrying food and water.
• Message sticks: A carved stick used as a communication tool between different Indigenous groups.
• Possum skin cloaks: A type of cloak made from possum fur that was worn for warmth and ceremonial purposes.
• Bark paintings: A type of art made from bark that is painted with traditional designs and stories. Bark painting production started in mass in the 1950's and were sold via missionary shops. The earlier barks are more sought after. Now with many of the early artists and their roll in the maintenance of culture recognized, these barks are seen as important expressions of a past lifestyle. refer to objects and artifacts that are created by Indigenous Australians, and are significant in their culture and history.
• Stone tools: A variety of stone tools were used by Indigenous Australians for various tasks such as hunting and preparing food.

The birth of the postcard can be traced back to the mid-19th century when individuals began sending simple illustrated cards through the mail. The first official postcard, known as a "correspondence card," was introduced in Austria in 1869. These early postcards featured a blank space for a message on one side and an image on the other, but lacked the divided back we associate with modern postcards.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the Golden Age of Postcards, characterized by a surge in popularity and artistic creativity. Advances in printing technology, such as chromolithography, made mass production more... of colourful and elaborate postcards feasible. This era witnessed the rise of "souvenir cards," featuring images of tourist destinations, landmarks, and cultural scenes.

In 1907, a pivotal change occurred with the introduction of the divided back postcard, allowing for both the address and message to be written on the back, while the front continued to showcase the image. This innovation transformed postcards into a more personal and expressive form of communication, leading to increased popularity and diverse uses.

During World War I and World War II, postcards served as a means of communication between soldiers and their loved ones. Governments also utilized postcards for propaganda, disseminating messages that aimed to boost morale and support wartime efforts. The postcard became a powerful tool in shaping public opinion during these tumultuous periods.

With the advent of more instantaneous communication methods, such as telephone and email, the use of postcards declined in the mid-20th century. However, postcards never faded away entirely. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in postcards as tangible and collectible artifacts. Additionally, artists and designers continue to create innovative and unique postcards, catering to a niche market that values the tactile and personal nature of this form of communication. less...