BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition featuring over 100 pieces of Australian aboriginal bark painting opened Tuesday at China's National Museum in Beijing.

It is the first time for the traditional paintings, which were created on bark by Australian aborigines, with themes related to prehistoric religion, to be exhibited abroad and start an international tour.

The paintings on display, titled "Old Masters: Australia's Great Bark Artists," are all part of the National Museum of Australia's collection. Produced between 1948 and 1985, they show the history and art of Australian aborigines.

The exhibition is result of a cooperation lasting for nearly two years between the national museums of both countries. The National Museum of Australia now has a collection of more than 2,000 bark paintings.