The Wanaruah people (also spelt Wonnarua) have lived in the Hunter Valley of N.S.W. for countless centuries. We border the Darkinung,Worimi & Awabakal tribes to whom we are related & on the western side the Kamilaroi with whom we have a times quarreled. Our traditional land borders what are now large national parks which contain hundreds of known art sites. Plus there are numerous art sites which remain to be discovered. Our forebears have been wonderful artists; of this we are justly proud. The location of some caves containing artworks are well known, many others are known to just a handful of individuals. Most of these photos are from caves from this latter group. Our family has been the custodians of the land on which these caves are located for countless centuries, and have maintained an unbroken, continuous connection with our lands down till the present time. No doubt the artists were some of our immediate forebears. It is my privilege to share our treasures with ‘Lovers of Art’. This is the first time photos of these caves have ever been released to the public. Unfortunately modern development is endangering more and more of our historical sites; but hopefully much can be conserved as the heritage not only of our children but for future generations of mankind to enjoy and appreciate. A couple of caves have suffered some damage by vandals Our family is hoping to purchase these caves soon so they can have complete protection. I have included further information about the meanings of cave art in the next section. One cave contains paintings believed to be the Supreme Being; usually known in eastern Australia as Biame. Though to the Wanaruah & the bordering Worimi he is known as Koin. Black Yendo (another important creator spirit) figures can be seen. The Yendo story forms a path that ran from beyond the Hunter valley through to Sydney. Even today Aboriginal people can navigate by following the mountains peaks etc that form the trail. Even after 200 years of European occupation many of our ancients pathways can still be seen; in a few places the highways have been build over our ancient trails. Tribes could freely move along these roads without fear. If you look carefully at the following cave paintings you will find along with hand stencils & other Aboriginal symbols, stencils of boomerangs & other implements; drawings of kangaroos & even horses. More photos on the following page - click on the link at the end of this page.
Most of the photos in this section are from locations that only a handful of people know about & have never before been released to the public. All photographs in this section can either be downloaded or purchased from us. N.B. Due to page loading times these sample photos are less quality thanthe ones you will buy which average 2,500 x 1,700 pixels. To download put your item/s in cart & after payment you will be given a link to download them to your computer. Archival quality prints are available in two sizes 13in x 19in (329mm x 483mm) & 9.5in x 13in (329mm x 483mm) posters. Postage charge is added in the cart. You can purchase as many prints from all sections of this site & your total postage costs will be only $10.45. The more you buy the more you save! Your photographs will be posted to you ASAP.
Outside Cave Tabulam The outside view of one of the caves on our family's land. It is set in a pleasant location among trees & has a commanding view over the countryside. It is the location of many a pleasant gathering in years goneby; hence it's name! 'Tabulam' means 'home'- but not in the sense of location - but home 'as in a feeling in your heart'. The area has commanding views & conveys happy feelings.
Time Goes By! Shows close-ups not only of hand stencils; different positions mean different things - rather like an alphabet, but also shows how paintings were done at different times. Various layers show different ages, how many assemblies were held here?
Where The Road Ends Be on of the priviledged few to have a beautiful photo of this super-special cave. Lovely white ochre symbols telling a detailed story. Few outsiders have seen this cave.
Tiny Wrist Fingers are pointing in a symbol. Our ancestors had almost an alphabet with finger symbols. My husband loves this painting, the hand is enormous, but the wrist is tiny. What relative made this one....?
Yengo Figures This picture is part of the famous Yengo story; sections of which are recorded in dozens of caves in the surrounding area. Yengo is an important ancestral spirit who's adventures form a road which was/is used for navigation purposes over much of eastern Australia.
A Kangaroo & a Horse A painting that was made 80 - 150 years ago. Totally traditional life continued in this area till round 1920 or perhaps even later. This is a dwelling cave.
Yengo View An interesting view of this sandstone cave which was inhabited well into the 20th century. A relative was still living in a cave covered with a heshium bag not far from here until his death in the 1950's. There is little doubt he would have lived at times in this cave as a child.
Crooked Fingers Being very close to our grandparents house this is one of the first caves we saw as children. Though not as spectacular as some of the others it has a special place in our hearts for that reason. Originally there were boomerangs etc left here. Though our family left them there for decades, unfortunately later visitors didn't. Some of the orche used to make the paintings is still there if you know where to look, & small artifacts can still be found in the thick orche floor.
