If you are interested in ancient mysteries and legends, you may have heard of the Wandjinas, the supreme deities and creators of land and humanity according to Australian Aboriginal mythology. The Wandjinas are depicted in some of the oldest and most fascinating rock art found in Australia, particularly in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
The Wandjina are also known as Gulingi by the Wunambal people in the Mitchell Plateau area. They are believed to be spirits of clouds and rain that originated from the Milky Way during Dreamtime (the Aboriginal creation period) and shaped the Earth as well as all its inhabitants. They also taught the Aboriginal people laws, customs, rituals, and how to live in harmony with nature. Wandjinas are associated with water, fertility, and strength, and they can punish those who violate their laws with floods, lightning, and tornadoes.
This image has circulated widely on social media and conspiracy websites, claiming that these 5,000-year-old (actually 4,000 years old) Aboriginal rock paintings depict aliens— but is that really the case?
The Wandjina rock art dates back approximately 4,000 years and was created after a prolonged drought lasting millennia, ending with the emergence of a wetter climate characterized by frequent monsoons. The paintings are found on rocks and in caves throughout the Kimberley region and are still regarded as sacred by the Worrorra, Ngarinyin, and Wunambal, the custodians of this land. Aboriginal people periodically refresh these paintings as a way to rejuvenate the Wandjinas’ life force.
The paintings have a distinctive style and characteristics. They often feature large upper bodies and heads with big black eyes, surrounded by what appears to be a halo or helmet. They lack mouths, which local legend explains for two reasons: one, they are so powerful that they do not need to speak; and two, if they had mouths, rain would never cease. The paintings also depict symbols and objects associated with the Wandjinas, such as the Rainbow Serpent, boomerangs, and stone axes.
The paintings have distinctive style and characteristics. (Illustrative image).
The Wandjina rock art has attracted many interpretations and speculations from various sources. Some view them as stylized representations of humans or animals (such as owls), while others see them as symbols of spiritual power and authority. Still, some even think they might depict extraterrestrial beings.
The white faces, large black eyes, and long noses that Wandjina are often painted with lead some to believe these features resemble those of extraterrestrial creatures and that Wandjina could be ancient visitors from outer space. Some even suggest that the halo or helmet around the Wandjina’s head is a sign of advanced technology or knowledge, implying that aliens may have actively participated in the creation process—a concept reflected not only in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories but also in mythology.
Many believe that the Wandjina rock art depicts aliens. (Illustrative image).
Regarding the role of Wandjinas in the creation story of the Aboriginal people, “the beings from the sky” or “spirits from the clouds”, it is said that they descended from the Milky Way during Dreamtime to shape the Earth and its inhabitants. Aware of the importance of their mission, they returned home to bring more Wandjina. Supported by the Dreamtime serpent, they descended again, spending their time as creators, teachers, and deities for the Aboriginal people they had created.
Ultimately, the Wandjinas disappeared, descending into the earth and residing at the bottom of the water sources linked to each painting. There, they continually create new ‘child seeds,’ regarded as the origin of all human life.
Many other reasonable questions arise, such as why the Wandjina are depicted with white skin while Aboriginal people have dark skin. There is also the asymmetrical size of the eyes compared to the face and nose, and of course, the consistent absence of mouths in the depictions we have mentioned.
Wandjina rock art is evidence of Aboriginal culture. (Illustrative image).
However, despite the striking similarities between Wandjina and typical representations of aliens in art, film, and eyewitness accounts, there is absolutely no evidence supporting the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and it may also be disrespectful to Indigenous Australians, who consider the Wandjina as sacred ancestral spirits.
Regardless of the truth, the Wandjina rock art is a remarkable testament to the rich and complex culture and history of Aboriginal people. They reflect their profound connection to the land, ancestors, and spirituality. They also challenge us to broaden our perspectives and question our assumptions about the past, present, and future of humanity.
