[RightWhale]

The older you and I get, the less long ago 30,000 years seems. 300 people who each lived to 110 could represent the entire period. Only 300 lives. If each were 105 and each taught a 5 year old everything, names, dates, places, and the 5 year old did the same in his turn, we could have an oral tradition going all the way back. 300 isn't many. 30,000 years isn't much.

[no-s]

Or even 500-1000 generations. I wonder if we are really retelling some of those stories anyway.

[blam]

"300 people who each lived to 110 could represent the entire period."

Yup. I like the way you think.

[TKEman]

Interesting thinking. Would require an incredible string of luck for people to live to be 105, and also to have it together enough to pass all this info on.

Ever read about the Tasmanian Aborigines? They walked to Tasmania when the island was still a part of Australia. When the waters rose 10,000 years ago, they were cut off from the rest of humanity.....