In Italy, during excavations in the Arena Candide cave, which is located off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, evidence was found of the unusual ritual burials of the first Cro-Magnons, which were carried out about 12 thousand years ago, informs the Cambridge Archaeological Journal.
Scientists came to such conclusions after the discovery of small pebbles, which are not found among the rocks in the cave. Traces of ocher were also found. It was possible to establish that patterns with ocher were applied to the body of the deceased using pebbles. Then these stones were split and used as a talisman.
Also, experts were able to reveal that the African and Amazonian tribes believed that their tools of work have a soul, that is, they considered them alive. And breaking stones was considered a kind of murder of a weapon, after which his soul was sent to another world along with the deceased.
Canadian researcher Julien Riel-Salvatore from the Canadian University of Montreal noted that, as a rule, paleontologists pay little attention to such things, simply throwing them away. The scientist believes that in no case should this be done, because at first glance, small details may be key in unraveling the secrets of antiquity. As well as in this case, when the discovered pebbles with ocher were able to shed light on ancient rituals and slightly open the veil of obscurity.