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In the charcoaled remains of fires that smoldered more than 10,000 years ago, archaeologists have found evidence of what may be the longest continuing ritual – shared across generations of Indigenous Australians since the end of the last ice age to this day.
Monash University archaeologist Bruno David, GunaiKurnai Elder Russell Mullett and their colleagues have now uncovered evidence of this practice, deep within Cloggs Cave. The two fireplaces, measuring 15-20 centimeters in diameter, and containing ashy deposits and a single, trimmed wooden stick. ( This makes it unlikely that abandoned remains of the ritual could not have been seen and copied by naive newcomers to the cave, supporting claims the GunaiKurnai people's traditions have been orally shared for at least 10,000 years.
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