Ochre Pits. Northern Territory Stock Image

The Ochre Pits are approximately 100 kilometres west of Alice Springs along the Larapinta Trail. The pits consist of several layers of multi-coloured, layered rock that was traditionally used by Australian Aborigines in ceremonies and played an important role in the continent's economy, being traded with neighbouring clans 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. For medicinal purposes red ochre can be mixed with grease and applied as an ointment and to relieve decongestion when mixed with eucalyptus leaves. White ochre was used as a magical charm, when mixed with water and blown from the mouth it is believed to abate the heat of the sun or the force of the wind. Weapons were painted with ochre to increase the success of hunting. It also protected the wooden weapons from termites.