The Library received cultural clearance from the Umbakumba Community Council Inc, Groote Eylandt, to display this image. Reproduction rights are owned by State Library of South Australia.
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Three Aboriginal children playing in the sand at Arua Creek, Groote Eylandt.

The delight in playing in the clean white sand is evident. Sand as a play material whether on beaches, river-sides or in a home or kindergarten sand pit is clean and adaptable, whether for building sand castles, laying out roadways and tunnels, or enjoying the texture and warmth of the sand itself.

'Children find real pleasure in play with natural materials, particularly sand and water ... the aimless digging, the incessant pouring, the trickling of sand or water through the fingers all help to calm an active child and to provide happy play for any youngster.' Sand and water play p. 1

This image has been reproduced with the kind permission of the Umbakumba Community Council.

American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land, (1948)

Angurugu Community Government Council - Groote Eylandt Community

Children building a sandcastle

Children building sandcastles

SA Memory: To be a child. Children on play equipment