Kata Tjuta
The large monolithic rock formations known as Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) are a remarkable group of 30 or so domed hills situated very close to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Northern Territory of Australia. They are made of the same ancient conglomerate rock as that more famous monolith, with the tallest of the group, Mt Olga standing 1500 feet in height.
Kata Tjuta
The native name Kata Tjuta literally means many heads and is as sacred a site to the native people as Uluru. Many ceremonies were, and are still carried out here, particularly at night. One of these former ceremonies included a type of public punishment that in extreme cases included death. If a woman of the tribe who was molested or attacked and injured named the attacker and he was found guilty, she was obliged to spear him through the leg as punishment of his indiscretion.
There are many Dream time legends associated with this place and indeed everything in the vicinity including of course Uluru. The great snake Wanambi lives on the summit of Mt Olga and only comes down during the dry season. He is the principle figure of many associated with these fascinating rocks.
The alternative name, the Olgas, derived from the Queen of Spain, was given to the formation in 1872.