Ochre Pits, Glen Helen Resort, MacDonnell Region, Northern Territory, Australiai

Regional Level Types
Ochre Pits	Group of Pits
Glen Helen Resort	- not defined -
MacDonnell Region	Region
Northern Territory	Territory
Australia	Country

The site qualifies as mining, it has just been operational for 40,000 years, compared to your local coal mine of 100 years or less. In truth, there are many ochre mines used by aboriginals across Australia, but few as easily accessible as this one. A marked tourist attraction along the Namatjira Drive, the main tourist road west of Alice Springs. The pits are 20 kilometres east of the Glen Helen Resort.

The red, yellow and white ochre can be seen lining the creek bank. The red ochre is mixed with animal fat from goannas, emus and the like, and mixed with eucalyptus leaves to relieve head colds, chest congestion, and aching muscles. The various coloured ochres are used in body decoration as part of ceremonies, like when adolescent boys would be painted with red ochre with an eagle feather, during initiation ceremonies. Ochre was also used to paint wooden weapons, to give success in hunting, and protect from termites.

The colours vary depending on the proportion or iron oxide to kaolin. Only men from the local Western Arrente tribe are permitted to take ochre from the site. Songs are sung during preparation of the material, known as Wulya (pronounced Woolya), a custom believed to enhance the material's healing powers.

Stiff penalties apply for the unauthorised removal of ochre from the site.

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