1000 BCE (based on archaeological evidence like Painted Grey Ware and Ochre Coloured Pottery cultures) to c.
A piece of red ochre.
Red Ochre
Red ochre is not exclusive to this burial but holds symbolic importance across many prehistoric cultures.
The specific source of the red ochre in this burial has not been conclusively identified, so it might have been acquired from a distant area.
Wilgie Mia Mine: Located in Australia, this ochre mine dates back over 40,000 years, showing evidence of early human engagement in organized resource extraction.
Wilgie Mia, also known as Thuwarri Thaa (‘red ochre hole’), is an ancient ochre mine located in the Weld Range of Western Australia.
It has been in continuous use for an estimated 27,000 to 40,000 years, during which approximately 14,000 cubic metres of ochre and rock have been extracted.
Wilgie Mia is the largest and deepest historical Aboriginal ochre mine in Australia.
According to local creation stories, the red ochre at Wilgie Mia originated from the blood of a red kangaroo that died there.
The different coloured ochres relate to the different parts of Marlu’s body: the red ochre is his blood, the yellow ochre is his liver, and the green ochre his gall.
This is the only known tradition to account for the different coloured ochres that occur within the one site.
Ochre is still traded for use in traditional ceremonies including important Law ceremonies.
Ochre has played a crucial role in Australian history, with Wilgie Mia producing significant quantities of both red and yellow pigments.
The ochre from Wilgie Mia is notable for its range of colours and high durability, attributed to the geological processes involving haematite (Fe2O3) and other iron-rich compounds.
Scientific studies have shown that ochre from Wilgie Mia was widely used throughout Western Australia.
Despite this, the mine continues to produce ochre as a commercial pigment.
Aboriginal miners also continue to extract ochre for use in ceremonies, art, and healing practices.
The red ochre was also used by later peoples.
The Swazi names of these pigments "libovu" (red ochre) and "ludumane" (sparkling ochre) indicate that exploitation of these minerals extended into historical times.