Aerial view of surf breaking on the Kalbarri coastline, Western Australia

Aboriginal Art Gifts: A Guide to Buying Authentic Australian Indigenous Art

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples belong to the oldest continuous living cultures on earth, with a connection to this land stretching back more than 65,000 years. Taking home a piece of that culture is one of the most meaningful things you can do on a trip to Australia. Done well, it also supports the artists and communities behind the work. This guide explains what to look for and shows the artist-credited pieces we stock at Megabes.

Your quick checklist

  • A named artist: the artist's name should be clearly credited
  • The story: good pieces tell you what the artwork means
  • A licensed design: the artwork should be used with the artist's permission
  • Quality: a well-made product honours the artwork
  • If in doubt, ask: a reputable retailer will happily tell you where a piece comes from

Why it matters who made it

Aboriginal art is far more than a style. Each design can hold stories of Country, family and Dreaming that belong to the artist and their community. When a product clearly credits an Aboriginal artist and uses their work with permission, your purchase respects that ownership and helps keep one of the world's oldest art traditions strong. Pieces that simply copy the look of dot painting don't do that, which is why the checklist above is worth keeping in mind wherever you shop.

Golden sand and limestone pillars in Nambung National Park, Western Australia
Country in WA's Nambung National Park. Photo: Megan Clark / Unsplash

Maarakool Art: mugs, tea towels and homewares

Our Maarakool Art range features artworks by Aboriginal artists Ben Goebel and Mel Spillman, with each artist and artwork named on the product. Look for Kookaburra Spirit and Beauty in Country by Ben Goebel, and Hunting at Sunset and Harmony in the Waters by Mel Spillman, on generous 400ml mugs, tea towels, totes and placemats.

Kookaburra Spirit mug by Ben Goebel Kookaburra Spirit Mug, Ben Goebel Shop now → Beauty in Country mug by Ben Goebel Beauty in Country Mug, Ben Goebel Shop now → Hunting at Sunset mug by Mel Spillman Hunting at Sunset Mug, Mel Spillman Shop now → Harmony in the Waters mug by Mel Spillman Harmony in the Waters Mug, Mel Spillman Shop now →
Tea towel set by Mel Spillman Tea Towel Set, Mel Spillman Shop now → Hunting at Sunset reusable tote by Mel Spillman Hunting at Sunset Tote, Mel Spillman Shop now → Maarakool Art cork-backed placemats, set of 4 Maarakool Art Placemats, Set of 4 Shop now →

Boomerangs hand-painted by Aboriginal artists

Our Authentic Indigenous Boomerang collection is hand-painted by Australian Aboriginal artists, so every one is unique. Choose from the Basic, Detailed and Traditional collections in 8, 12 and 14-inch sizes. Each makes a striking gift to display at home.

Detailed collection boomerang hand-painted by Aboriginal artists, 12 inch Detailed Collection Boomerang, 12 inch Shop now → Traditional collection boomerang hand-painted by Aboriginal artists, 14 inch Traditional Collection Boomerang, 14 inch Shop now → Basic collection boomerang hand-painted by Aboriginal artists, 8 inch Basic Collection Boomerang, 8 inch Shop now →

Good to know

Many of these pieces are limited in number, so if one catches your eye, don't wait too long. We post Australia-wide with free standard shipping on orders over $150, and we ship overseas too.

See them in person

Artwork always looks best up close. Visit WA's leading one-stop souvenir shop in Malaga to browse our full Aboriginal art collection, and ask our team about any piece. We've been a family-owned souvenir business for over 30 years and we're always happy to share the story behind what we stock.

Visit WA's leading one-stop souvenir shop

Megabes Souvenirs, Malaga

Address: Unit 2/9 Exchange Road, Malaga WA

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30am to 4:30pm (closed Mondays)

Get directions

Shop Aboriginal art gifts

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