ochre
A native earth consisting of hydrated peroxide of iron with clay in various proportions, used as a pigment. First found in association with Homo erectus at Olduvai gorge and has been found in many cultures throughout the Stone Age period. It has been found in many contexts, particularly in burials where it is interpreted as having a ritual function, used as a pigment in Palaeolithic cave paintings, and in association with hide processing. (see Wreschner 1980)