Evidence for possibly the earliest known ritual activity has been uncovered in Ngamiland, Botswana. Archæologists investigating the Tsodilo Hills there found a secluded cave, the “Rhino Cave”, next to a rock resembling a python’s head. Hundreds of man-made indentations peppered the rock, known to the San (Bushmen) as the “Rock that Whispers”.

A test pit dug in front of the python simulacrum revealed many stones that had been used to make the indentations. Together with these tools, some of which were over 70,000 years old, more than 13,000 artefacts were unearthed, including burnt spearheads and possible ritual articles. The rock’s natural pythonesque appearance had been enhanced by human carving and grinding – the python is a key figure in San mythology.

Lead archæologist Sheila Coulson also found a secret chamber behind the python rock. Parts of the entrance to this small chamber were worn smooth, indicating extensive usage over the ages. “The shaman could have kept himself hidden in that secret chamber,” Coulson suggested. “When he spoke from his hiding place, it could have seemed as if the voice came from the snake [rock] itself.”