Earth SciencesNature Human Behaviour

Archaeological evidence of an ethnographically documented Australian Aboriginal ritual dated to the last ice age

B. David, R. Mullett, et al.

Discover the ancient secrets of Cloggs Cave in Australia, where archaeological excavations revealed 11,000- and 12,000-year-old miniature fireplaces. These findings, tied to cultural traditions of the GunaiKurnai people, showcase Australia’s oldest known wooden artifacts and offer a glimpse into 500 generations of cultural transmission. This groundbreaking research was conducted by a team of experts including Bruno David and Russell Mullett.... show more

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Abstract

Archaeological excavations at Cloggs Cave (GunaiKurnai Country, southeastern Australia) revealed two buried miniature fireplaces dating to ~11,000–12,000 years ago, each with a protruding, trimmed wooden artefact of Casuarina wood bearing traces of animal or human fat. These installations match nineteenth‑century ethnographic descriptions of secluded GunaiKurnai ritual practices by mulla‑mullung medicine men and women. The finds indicate at least 500 generations of cultural transmission of a specific ritual practice from the end of the last ice age and include Australia’s oldest known wooden artefacts.

Publisher

Nature Human Behaviour

Published On

Jul 01, 2024

Authors

Bruno David, Russell Mullett, Nathan Wright, Birgitta Stephenson, Jeremy Ash, Joanna Fresløv, GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, Jean-Jacques Delannoy, Matthew C. McDowell, Jerome Mialanes, Fiona Petchey, Lee J. Arnold, Ashleigh J. Rogers, Joe Crouch, Helen Green, Chris Urwin, Carney D. Matheson

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01912-w

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