Ochre Pits facts for kids
The Ochre Pits are a really cool place to visit in Australia's Northern Territory. They are about 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs. You can find them along the famous Larapinta Trail.
These pits have many layers of colourful rock. These rocks were very important to the Indigenous Australians who lived there. They used the ochre for special ceremonies. It was also a big part of their economy. They would trade this valuable ochre with other groups and "countries" all over the continent.
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What Are the Ochre Pits?
The Ochre Pits are a natural site with different coloured rocks. These rocks are called ochre. Ochre is a natural earth pigment. It comes in shades like yellow, brown, red, and orange.
Who Owns the Ochre Pits?
The mine belongs to the Western Arrernte people. They are the traditional owners of this land. For a long time, only certain men from their community were allowed to collect the ochre. This was before European people settled in the area around 1880.
Why Was This Ochre Special?
The ochre from these pits was considered very special. It was soft to touch and had bright, vivid colours. It even had a slight shine to it. The colours found here range from bright gold to deep crimson red.
How Was Ochre Used?
After the Western Arrernte people mined the ochre, they prepared it carefully. They would grind the ochre into a fine powder. Then, they mixed it with Emu fat. This mixture was used for body decoration during important ceremonies. It helped them connect with their culture and traditions.
