Evidence for global cultural diffusion: Or, why are there Seven Sisters?

The article discusses the concept of cultural diffusion, particularly focusing on the similarities in myths and cultural elements across diverse societies, such as the Australian Aboriginals and the Navajo. It highlights the Pleiades star cluster, known as the Seven Sisters, which appears in mythologies worldwide, including those of Australia and Greece. The article raises questions about why these cultures share similar stories about the Pleiades, despite geographical separation, and why they refer to seven stars when typically only six are visible. This phenomenon suggests a possible shared cultural origin or diffusion of ideas.

The author also explores other global myths, such as serpent mythology and the concept of a primordial matriarchy, which appear in various cultures. The article references the work of anthropologists and comparative mythologists who argue that these similarities may trace back to a common cultural root in Africa around 100,000 years ago. The discussion includes themes of gender dynamics in ancient societies, as well as the role of animals, particularly dogs, in mythologies across continents.

Overall, the article posits that the striking parallels in myths and cultural practices across different societies may indicate a deeper, interconnected human history that transcends individual cultures, suggesting that certain ideas and narratives may have originated from a shared ancestral experience.