The imagery of the Aboriginal culture, as can be seen in many of the sacred sites, rock and cave paintings, used very few colours, as they were often made from what was available locally. The colours were often mined from ‘ochre pits’, being used for both painting and ceremonies. The ochre was even traded between clans and at one time could only be collected by specific men within the clan. Some of ochre pits can be viewed today as tourist attractions.

For information about the Ochre Pits near Alice Springs (Central Australia), click here.