25,000-year-old cave discovery reveals ancient Australian rituals

Archaeologists found evidence in Cloggs Cave of GunaiKurnai grass burning rituals spanning 25,000 years, used for magic, healing, and cursing.

Microscopic silica remains (phytoliths) showed up to 97% of plant material was grass, with about 18% melted or burnt, indicating grass was intentionally carried into the cave.

A small standing stone dated to around 2,000 years ago was found adjacent to burnt grass layers, suggesting ritual activities.

The ritual persisted from the last Ice Age to the 19th century, as confirmed by phytoliths and oral traditions.