Researchers have discovered a mysterious turtle-shaped stone sculpture in Manot Cave in the Galilee region of northern Israel.
Measuring approximately 20 cm and weighing 28 kg, the object has distinctive grooves similar to the natural markings on a turtle’s shell.
Experts believe the object was carved over 35,000 years ago, while the cave could be over 55,000 years old. They believe that the small stone structure was worshiped there.
Research into the turtle sculpture was conducted by scientists from the University of Haifa in Israel and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, reports Noi.md with reference to .
It is said to be about 37,000 years old, which means it was made by homo sapiens, not Neanderthals.
The Manot Cave, discovered in 2008, was used as a home for thousands of years by both Neanderthals and humans, in different periods.
The cave also has natural acoustics conducive to large gatherings, while the presence of wood ash on nearby stalagmites suggests that prehistoric people carried torches to light the room.
