euronews.com
37,000-Year-Old Tortoise Carving: Earliest Known Religious Symbol in the Middle East
A 37,000-year-old tortoise shell carving found in Israel's Manot Cave is evidence of early human spiritual rituals, predating known Middle Eastern religious symbols by over 35,000 years and suggesting a communal practice possibly aiding societal adaptation in the Upper Paleolithic era.
- How does the discovery of the "ritual compound" and the use of the deer antler carving tool provide further evidence for the intentional nature of the tortoise shell's symbolic role?
- The tortoise shell's prominence in the ritual compound, along with its presence at Stone Age graves, points to its symbolic importance in early human societies of the region. The discovery provides unique insight into Upper Paleolithic religious practices, previously unknown in the Levant. This communal practice may have aided in addressing societal challenges of the time.
- What is the significance of the 37,000-year-old tortoise shell carving discovered in the Manot Cave, and how does it reshape our understanding of early religious practices in the Middle East?
- In Manot Cave, Israel, a 37,000-year-old tortoise shell carving was discovered, suggesting early humans held communal rituals around it. This predates previously known religious symbols in the Middle East by over 35,000 years. The carving, likely created with a deer antler, is located within a "ritual compound" in the cave, further supporting its significance.
- What are the potential broader implications of this discovery regarding social cohesion and adaptation strategies within Upper Paleolithic human societies in the Levant, and what future research is needed to expand our understanding?
- This finding significantly shifts understanding of early religious practices in the Middle East. The unique and large tortoise carving, dated to the Aurignacian era, suggests a level of social complexity and shared belief systems previously underestimated for that period. Future research may uncover more such sites, enriching understanding of early human spirituality and social organization.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral and objective. While the discovery is presented as significant, the article avoids hyperbole or sensationalism. The focus remains on the evidence and interpretations from the researchers. The headline accurately reflects the content.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery of a shared religious practice among early humans in the Manot Cave suggests a sense of community and cooperation, which can be seen as contributing to social cohesion and the development of early societal structures. This unification in shared religious practice may have been a crucial strategy for overcoming challenges, fostering peace, and promoting social stability within the group. The research highlights that this unification may have been "a successful adaptive strategy to cope with the large demographic and economic challenges human society faced in the Upper Paleolithic."