Australia & Oceania

Deep within the limestone walls of Cloggs Cave in southeastern Australia, a remarkable discovery has shed light on ancient spiritual practices. Researchers have uncovered evidence that Aboriginal Australians carried whole grass plants into the cave to burn them for magic, healing, and cursing rituals, a tradition spanning an incredible 25,000 years. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology, were made by a team of archaeologists working closely with the GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. By analyzing microscopic plant remains known as phytoliths, the researchers were able to trace the continuous use of the cave by the GunaiKurnai people from the peak of the last Ice Age up to recent times. Unearthing the Phytolith Skeletons The study