Archeologists have unveiled what is presumed to be a 35,000-year-old site of spiritual significance within the confines of Manot Cave in Galilee, illuminated by traces of Neanderthal and early Homo sapiens settlement. The cavern, which is part of the Manot Cave complex, features an enigmatic stone figure carved in the likeness of a tortoise or turtle, which might have played a role in ancient ceremonial practices.
Sacred Assemblies and Mythic Icons
Uncovered in the latest paper issued by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the discovery highlights a space deep within the cave, separate from daily living areas, which is adorned with extraordinary cave formations. A key player in this research is Omry Barzilai from the University of Haifa and the Israel Antiquities Authority, who emphasizes the significance of this artifact’s secluded placement, indicating its probable sanctity.
During the course of meticulous examination inside the cave, five separate stalagmites were identified, with one bearing scorch marks date-stamped to 36,000 years ago through carbon analysis. This particular stalagmite, designated as 1048, seems to align with practices involving fire, likely through the use of torches or ephemeral flames in ceremonial contexts, especially as no permanent hearth was detected.
The timing of these findings is crucial as it was long after Neanderthals vanished from the fossil timeline circa 40,000 years ago. The evidence suggests that the rituals taking place might have been a hallmark of early Homo sapiens, affirming their ongoing influence in this region.
Ongoing investigations at Manot Cave hold the potential to shed light on the complex narrative of human history in this geographical pocket, as well as the possible cultural exchanges between the Neanderthals and our direct ancestors. The results of this exploration not only bring attention to this specific locus but also enrich our comprehension of the spiritual life and practices of prehistoric communities.
