An Upper Paleolithic Shrine in India?

In 1982, archaeologists were excavating an Upper Paleolithic site in central India when they found a circular platform with a stone in the center that had concentric triangles. Almost immediately, locals identified it as a symbol of the goddess. How did this stone become a goddess and how can archaeologists identify the meanings behind a ritual object? In this episode, we speak with Mark Kenoyer, who excavated this stone, and how he sees connections between ritual symbols and practices in the past and the present. 

This Ancient Life is supported by a Williams Instructional Grant from the University of Oregon. Our music is from Blue Dot Sessions. Our theme music is Bopha Vientiane by Sinn Sisamouth.  

Check out our website for more information on this episode: thisancientlife.com