Restricted Images
Art that can only be seen by those with appropriate standing.
Some images are restricted - viewable only by initiated men, only by women, or only by specific custodians. Seeing restricted images without proper standing causes spiritual harm. This system protects both knowledge and unprepared individuals.
Some images are too powerful for unprepared eyes. They can cause harm.
Restriction systems demonstrate sophisticated understanding of knowledge power.
Oral Tradition
Written about in
- What Aboriginal tradition says about what to leave unsaid
The same rule governs pictures: some designs may be seen only by initiated men, only by women, or only by named custodians. This is where the tradition is least comfortable for outsiders — it says plainly that some people should not see some things, and that looking anyway does spiritual damage.