March 8 - Kata Tjuta

This afternoon we visited the rock formation of Kata Tjuṯa, or as it is also known the Olgas. It is a group of large, domed rock formations located near Uluru. Kata Tjuta is also considered sacred to the Aboriginal people of this region.

It has 36 domes that cover an area of 21 square kilometers and is composed of sedimentary rock consisting of cobbles and boulders of varying rock types, mostly granite, held together by a mix of sandstone. The highest dome, Mount Olga, raises 200 meters above the surrounding desert floor.  Mount Olgas is named after Queen Olga of Wutttemberg, a Russian Duchess.   I have no idea how that association was formed.

Many of the Aṉangu legends associated with this place, involve the great snake king Wanambi, who is said to live on the summit of Kata Tjuṯa and only comes down during the dry season. His breath was said to be able to transform a breeze into a hurricane in order to punish those who did evil deeds. 

The Aṉangu people believe the great rocks of Kata Tjuṯa are homes to spirit energy from the 'Dreaming', and since 1995 the site is being used once again for tribal ceremonies.  “The Dreaming” represents the time when the Ancestral Spirits moved over the land and created life.

In keeping with Aṉangu mythology, the majority of the stories surrounding the site are not disclosed to outsiders, and in particular, women. Kata Tjuta is a sacred site accessible to men only.

In traditional Anangu society, men and women have distinct but equally important roles, performing specific tasks that benefit the whole community.  This separation of responsibilities by gender ensures a balance of work with a strong sense of cooperation.

There is no overlapping of roles and it is a very serious breech of tribal laws to even inquire about the roles of the opposite sex.