Kalti paarti carving
Kalti paarti carving is an art form made by carving a kalthi-parti, or emu egg. The practice began in the mid to late nineteenth century and while it has been practiced by people in Australia from many backgrounds, it is often strongly associated with Aboriginal art.
History
The art of kalti paarti carving was popularized in the mid to late nineteenth century. Some of the earliest carvers were not strictly Aboriginal and these carvers created very decorative and complicated designs that were popular at the time. The art was continued by Aboriginal artists from south-east Australia and the Carnarvon region, especially after World War II. As Aboriginal people of Australia sought out a sense of identity, these artists became to use symbols based on traditional markings and designs. Artists like Bluey Roberts, Badger Bates and Adrian Morten created these types of designs. Esther Kirby and Barry Belotti went on to create realistic carvings that "critique colonial incursion."Various designs of kalti paarti carving can indicate where the egg was carved. Silhouettes that create a visual narrative are more indicative of Paakantiji carvers while Wiradjuri artists more often create realistic images on one or two parts of the egg.