Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

Summary: A deep shelter in Maroota State Forest which has a number of charcoal motifs, including multiple large birds (or emus) and two snakes.

  • Site type: Cave Painting
  • Number of motifs: 22
  • Motif/s: Bird, Eel, Emu, Indeterminate figure, Snake
  • Quality: 4/5
  • Condition of site: Good
  • Year first recorded: 1990
  • Originally Recorded by: Margrit Koettig

A low but very deep shelter above a creek in Maroota State Forest contains a large number of charcoal motifs, on the wall and roof of the shelter.

IMG 9889 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter
IMG 9890 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

The most prominent figures are two large birds – possibly emus – on a smooth panel on the lip of the shelter. Two more motifs on the panel are indeterminate.

IMG 9862 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

One of the birds/emus has a distinct beak (the motif on the left may represent an eel).

IMG 9864 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

Next to the two bird/emu heads is an indeterminate charcoal motif.

IMG 9886 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter
IMG 9886 LR lbk Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

On the ceiling of the shelter ia a large indeterminate figure, which may be another bird or emu.

IMG 9868 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter
IMG 9869 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

Two more bird-like figures are on the wall of the shelter.

IMG 9884 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter
IMG 9884 LR lbk Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

This charcoal motif appears to also depict the outline of a large bird or emu.

IMG 9877 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter
IMG 9877 LR lbk Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

Two snakes are drawn in charcoal on the ceiling of the shelter.

IMG 9880 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter
IMG 9880 LR lbk Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter
IMG 9873 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter
IMG 9873 LR lbk Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

A small motif in charcoal may be a small bird, or insect.

IMG 9876 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

This charcoal motif appears to depict another animal.

IMG 9887 LR Maroota State Forest Emus and Snakes Shelter

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