# Australian cave reveals 25,000 years of healing rituals and curses Scientific evidence uncovers millennia-old GunaiKurnai Aboriginal practices in Cloggs Cave. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9) - **Published:** 2026-07-22 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c4c92ada-6e63-4e45-9020-05fc0313fdc6 ## Secrets of the sacred cave Cloggs Cave in Victoria served as a sacred site for GunaiKurnai people's healing and magic rituals over millennia. Soot on its ceiling testifies to countless ceremonial fires. Spiritual leaders called 'mulla-mullung' conducted healing sessions and sacred ceremonies in this space. ## Dating through phytoliths Researchers analyzed microscopic silica remains (phytoliths) in 73 ash layers. Burnt phytoliths reveal humans transported specific grasses into the cave between 4,400-1,600 years ago. These findings demonstrate the depth of Aboriginal botanical knowledge and intentional plant selection. ## 25,000 years of continuity Radiocarbon dating shows cave use extends back at least 25,000 years. Presence of 29 plant species, including cold-climate grasses (Pooideae) and tropical varieties (Panicoideae), indicates ritual continuity through climatic changes, highlighting cultural resilience. ## Mystery of the standing stone A 12-inch tall standing stone discovered in excavations was likely used in ceremonies. Surrounding ash layers align with GunaiKurnai traditions of tracking spiritual beings' movements. This artifact underscores the cave's enduring spiritual significance. ## Model for community collaboration The study was co-conducted with GunaiKurnai representatives, blending traditional knowledge with archaeological science. This partnership establishes a new model for indigenous-led research, demonstrating how community involvement enriches scientific understanding. ## Evidence of living culture The findings uniquely validate oral traditions through material evidence. GunaiKurnai ancestral practices reveal the resilience of Australia's oldest continuous culture, showcasing remarkable adaptation over millennia while maintaining spiritual connections to land. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/science/rituals-curses-cave-australia/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._