Ochre Pits : Spring afternoon . . .
This image is included in a gallery "PANORAMI E LUOGHI- LANDSCAPE AND SITE" curated by maurosnaier.
The Ochre Pits is a popular tourist destination in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, approximately 100 km west of Alice Springs along the Larapinta Trail. 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.
Ochre occurs in a range of earthy colours ranging from white through to yellow, orange, red and browns. Ochre has always been an important part of Aboriginal culture and a vital part of everyday life. For medicinal purposes red ochre can be mixed with grease and applied as an ointment and to relieve congestion 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.
Ochre Pits : Spring afternoon . . .
This image is included in a gallery "PANORAMI E LUOGHI- LANDSCAPE AND SITE" curated by maurosnaier.
The Ochre Pits is a popular tourist destination in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, approximately 100 km west of Alice Springs along the Larapinta Trail. 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.
Ochre occurs in a range of earthy colours ranging from white through to yellow, orange, red and browns. Ochre has always been an important part of Aboriginal culture and a vital part of everyday life. For medicinal purposes red ochre can be mixed with grease and applied as an ointment and to relieve congestion 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.