Ancient Israelites may have worshipped a turtle sculpture found in cave

In the Galilee region of northern Israel, researchers have unearthed a primitive turtle-shaped rock sculpture in Manot Cave, a site that has been a focal point for archaeological studies due to its rich history. This sculpture, measuring approximately 11 inches and weighing 28 kg, exhibits distinctive grooves resembling the natural markings of a turtle’s shell. Radiocarbon dating indicates that it is over 35,000 years old, making it a product of early modern humans (homo sapiens). Manot Cave itself has a significant prehistoric background, having served as a living space for Neanderthals and modern humans at various times. The cave, estimated to be over 55,000 years old, has revealed astonishing insights into early human life through various excavations. Notably, a 55,000-year-old skull discovered in the cave in 2015 provided clues about the interaction between Neanderthals and early homo sapiens. This recent sculpture discovery aligns with theories suggesting that early human and Neanderthal societies may have engaged in rituals connected to animal imagery, possibly hinting at the beginnings of religious or spiritual practices. The analysis of the turtle sculpture has been conducted by a team from the University of Haifa in Israel and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The researchers believe that the sculpture's anthropogenic characteristics—evident in the grooves’ cross-sections and tiny scratches—confirm its creation by humans. The placement of the sculpture within a niche in the cave signifies its possible importance, possibly serving a ritualistic purpose. This perspective is reinforced by evidence of communal activities in the cave, as researchers discovered a large, deeper cavern that likely hosted gatherings, fostering social cohesion among prehistoric groups. In addition to the sculpture, the cave’s layout and features, including natural acoustics and evidence of artificial lighting such as wood ash, suggest that the site was utilized for ceremonies or communal gatherings. The research team posits that the turtle could hold symbolic meanings, similar to the significance attributed to tortoises in Mayan culture, where it represents the earth and embodies qualities such as perseverance and stability. The discovery of this artifact encapsulates the ongoing exploration of how early hominins interwove their daily lives with symbolic and possibly spiritual representations, marking an essential aspect of human cultural evolution.