Archaeologists have found what appears to be the world's oldest grave of a shaman (actual site shown left). Located on the modern-day coast of Palestine/Israel, the grave contains the remains of a 12,000-year old female shaman believed to belong to the nomadic Natufian culture. Buried with her are select animal bones, a cowtail, an eagle wing, the foot of another human and around 50 tortoise shells--all carefully and elaborately arranged around her body.
The article states: "The discovery of a shaman this ancient offers a startling glimpse into this little-known past, a portrait of prehistoric ritual belief and of clear lines of social hierarchy taking shape."
I can't help but wonder what her life was like and how she helped her community.
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