In a limestone cave in southeastern Australia, people have been carrying armfuls of grass inside, spreading it in thin layers, and setting it alight for the past 25,000 years.
Good question. This study looked specifically at phytoliths, microscopic plant silica, so bone wasn't its focus. Earlier work at the cave has turned up other organic remains from deeper layers, including greased Casuarina wood sticks, and the team also analyzed possum scats to separate animal-deposited material from human activity.
I’d be interested in learning more about the ancestral practices and beliefs that created this custom. And in response to the last comment, grass burns fast, and won’t heat your house. Hope you were just being /s
A wild and interesting locality - and this study signifies the depth of human experience over the ages. Thanks for alerting us to its conclusions
Were there Bone fragments too .
Good question. This study looked specifically at phytoliths, microscopic plant silica, so bone wasn't its focus. Earlier work at the cave has turned up other organic remains from deeper layers, including greased Casuarina wood sticks, and the team also analyzed possum scats to separate animal-deposited material from human activity.
Very interesting .
I’d be interested in learning more about the ancestral practices and beliefs that created this custom. And in response to the last comment, grass burns fast, and won’t heat your house. Hope you were just being /s
Ah yes, the ancient ritual of burning things to keep warm. All the houses in my neighborhood have ritual devices that produce heat.