Ancient rituals revealed: 35,000-year-old carving found in Israel cave

In Israel, a significant archaeological discovery has shed light on ancient human behavior more than 35,000 years ago. Researchers found a granite boulder carved deep inside Manot Cave in the Galilee region, which is believed to represent the earliest evidence of ritual practices in the eastern Mediterranean. This boulder, weighing over 60 pounds and measuring nearly one foot across, features grooves reminiscent of a tortoise shell pattern. While the precise meaning of this design remains unclear, it may symbolize the unification of various groups within early human society, according to the co-author of the study, Israel Hershkovitz. The boulder's excavation occurred within an area often overlooked due to its inaccessibility; it was not until 2013 that this remarkable artifact was uncovered. The surrounding chamber, which was separated from areas where prehistoric people would carry out everyday living activities, is thought to have been used for communal gatherings, as suggested by the findings. Particles of wood ash discovered in the chamber imply that it may have been illuminated by fire during rituals, facilitating social interactions and possibly spiritual connections among ancient humans. The study emphasizes the significance of this finding in understanding early human culture and communal behavior during the Early Upper Paleolithic period. The technique of carving found on the boulder aligns with the evolution of stone tool technologies used by Homo sapiens at the time. Researchers noted it had been crafted using flint tools, a point that highlights the advanced craftsmanship of prehistoric humans. Additionally, the dating of 35,000 to 37,000 years ago aligns with contemporaneous cave paintings found in France, suggesting a parallel development of cultural practices across different regions. This discovery not only contributes to the timeline of human ritualistic behavior but also opens avenues for further research into the societal structures and communal practices of early humans. The evidence suggests that the cave served as a venue for important collective activities, reflecting strategies that helped early societies adapt to the challenges of their environments. In this way, the ritual boulder found in Manot Cave adds a crucial dimension to our understanding of human history and the social dynamics of prehistoric communities.