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Similar Serpentine Gorge, West MacDonnell National, Ormiston Gorge, Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole | ||
Larapinta trail section9 central australia ochre pits to ormiston gorge a walk on the wild side
The Ochre Pits are a popular tourist destination in Australia's Northern Territory, approximately 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs along the Larapinta Trail.
Contents
- Larapinta trail section9 central australia ochre pits to ormiston gorge a walk on the wild side
- Ochre pits nt
- References
The pits consist of several layers of multi-coloured, layered rock that was traditionally used by Indigenous Australians in ceremonies and played an important role in the continent's economy, being traded with neighbouring clans and "countries", in every direction on the continent.
The mine belongs to the Western Arrernte people. Prior to European settlement of the area in 1880, only certain men were qualified to collect the ochre.
It was considered some of the choicest ochre - soft to touch, vivid, with a slight sheen to it. The colours range from gold to crimson.
After the ochre was mined by the Western Arrernte, it was ground and mixed with Emu fat for ceremonial body adornment.