Celebrate Australia’s native wildlife and First Nations storytelling with this beautiful Aboriginal Art Animals Tray Puzzle Set. Featuring four individually framed wooden tray puzzles, each design showcases authentic Indigenous artwork that invites children to explore culture through meaningful play. The chunky wooden pieces support early problem-solving, shape recognition, and fine motor development, while the tray base helps little learners complete each picture with confidence.

Product features:
Set of 4 wooden tray puzzles featuring authentic Aboriginal artwork
Includes Monarch Butterfly, Rainbow Serpent, Dolphin, and Turtle designs
Chunky wooden pieces support fine motor skills and early cognitive development
Dimensions: each puzzle measures 20 x 14.5cm
Suitable for ages 10m+

The Story Behind the Art
Monarch Butterfly
The symbol of the monarch butterfly to Indigenous people represents our past ancestors that are still present in our culture to provide guidance and protect our families. The monarch butterfly is used as a symbol in our Dreamtime stories through our art as a celebration of their presence.

The Rainbow Serpent
In the Dreamtime, the rainbow serpent awoke and travelled across the land, transforming the flat terrain into beautiful landscapes. As she moved, she created rivers in her wake. The rainbow serpent is also seen as a protector of water and life, embodying the connection between nature and spirituality. Through her actions, she established the laws and customs that would guide the people who came after her.

Dolphin
Dolphins are a sacred animal. For some mobs, hunting dolphins was forbidden, as dolphins would help guide our people back and help them find fish as a food source for those living along coastal areas. Dolphins are used in Dreamtime stories through art, as they are very spiritual animals.

Turtle
The significance of turtles in Indigenous culture offers a unique insight into the deep spiritual and traditional connections that are a vital way of life. The spiritual significance invites us to explore the rich, complex relationship between Aboriginal communities and the natural world—timeless wisdom that is embedded in Aboriginal traditions and Dreamtime stories.

About the Artist
Hi, my name is Vanessa. I’m a proud Wiradjuri woman from NSW, one of the largest mobs in Australia. Making the tree change to the sea change and now living on Yugambeh Country on the Gold Coast for 20 years, sharing my knowledge and culture with children in the early learning industry has been a pleasure.
Working with others in the community and learning about other Indigenous mobs has also been a great honour. I love sharing my art with others—I find it very relaxing while I’m creating my stories through my art.
I hope you get great pleasure from sharing these puzzles with the children and the stories behind them, passing on knowledge about Indigenous culture.