Smithsonian Magazine

Meet the Researcher Studying How Ancient Human Migrations Shaped a Hotbed of Avocado Diversity in Central America

While collecting avocado leaf samples in Nicaragua, archaeobotanist Kevin Wann finally tasted the fruit he has spent years ...
Smithsonian Magazine

Aboriginal Spiritual Leaders Performed ‘Magic, Healing, Cursing’ Rituals in This Australian Cave for 25,000 Years, New Research Finds

Archaeologists collaborated with members of the GunaiKurnai Aboriginal community to explore layers of ash from burned grasses ...

Australian cave home to 25,000 years of healing—and curses

The entry into the limestone cavern known as Cloggs Cave resembles a massive cathedral door. Situated on a bluff in southern ...

Burnt Grass in Australian Cave Hints at Prehistoric ‘Magic’ Rituals

For the past 25,000 years or so, this cave bore witness to the lives of the GunaiKurnai, an Australian Aboriginal nation.

Australian cave discovery shows grass was burned for magic, cures and curses for 25,000 years

The GunaiKurnai, an Australian Aboriginal nation, are the acknowledged traditional custodians of Gippsland and the southern ...