A remarkable discovery in a cave in northern Israel has shed new light on the spiritual and social practices of early humans. Archaeologists have uncovered a turtle-shaped rock sculpture in Manot Cave, located in the Galilee region. The sculpture, which dates back over 35,000 years, could provide insights into the ritualistic behaviors of ancient human societies.
The small yet distinctive sculpture measures about 11 inches (20 cm) in length and weighs 28 kg. Carved into a dolomite boulder, the rock features grooves resembling the natural markings of a turtle’s shell, suggesting it was deliberately crafted by early humans. The cave, believed to be more than 55,000 years old, has long been a site of interest for researchers, with findings that indicate both Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens occupied the space at different times.
A Spiritual Symbol?
Experts from the University of Haifa in Israel and Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, who conducted the study of the turtle sculpture, believe it may have held significant symbolic meaning. Turtles and tortoises have long been revered in many cultures as cosmic symbols, representing ideas such as strength, stability, and the interconnectedness of life. According to Omry Barzilai, a study author and head of the Material Culture PaleoLab at the University of Haifa, the turtle sculpture may have been a spiritual or totemic figure.
“This object’s location, deep within the cave away from everyday activity, suggests it was not merely decorative but served as an object of worship,” Barzilai explained.
The turtle’s symbolism in various cultures could provide further context for its significance. In Mayan culture, for example, the tortoise’s shell represented the earth, while some Indigenous peoples of North America believed the world was created on the back of a turtle. The turtle’s slow movements and distinctive form often symbolize perseverance and stability across both space and time.
A Site for Rituals
Manot Cave, which was first discovered in 2008, has already provided valuable evidence of early human life, including the 2015 discovery of a 55,000-year-old skull that showed signs of interbreeding between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. The recent discovery of the turtle sculpture came from a large, previously unexplored cavern deeper within the cave. This area, researchers suggest, was likely used for communal gatherings and rituals.
The cavern’s acoustics, which are ideal for large gatherings, and evidence of wood ash on nearby stalagmites suggest it may have been a space for ceremonies, possibly involving torches or other forms of artificial lighting. The turtle sculpture’s placement in a secluded niche indicates it could have been an integral part of these rituals, contributing to social cohesion among early humans.
A Legacy of Social and Spiritual Practices
The recent findings further reveal the complex social structures of early human communities. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that early humans developed intricate mechanisms to foster group identity and solidarity, which were essential for survival and social networks during the Paleolithic era.
“The Manot engraved boulder serves as a profound testament to the vibrancy of Paleolithic life,” the researchers concluded. “It exemplifies the spiritual and social practices that early human societies developed to sustain social cohesion and expand their networks.”
As discoveries from sites like Manot Cave continue to surface, they offer valuable glimpses into the lives of our ancient ancestors, revealing not just their survival strategies but also their deeper spiritual and cultural beliefs.
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