Ancient Burial Site Challenges Ideas about Human Evolution
By Pierre Herubel
The act of burying the deceased has long been considered a distinctly human tradition, serving as a symbol of acknowledging a life once lived. However, a burial site dating back 200,000 years, recently discovered in South Africa, has raised questions about the truly “human” nature of this ancient practice.
Located deep within a cave system near Johannesburg, this site has revealed a remarkable collection of remains belonging to Homo naledi, a distant relative of Homo sapiens. This primitive species had a brain size roughly equivalent to an orange and stood at a height of around 1.5 meters (5 feet). They were distinctive with their curved fingers and toes, as well as their hands and feet adapted for both climbing and walking, equipped with the ability to use tools.
The ancient burial site in the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contained at least five Homo naledi individuals buried in oval-shaped graves. Researchers believe that these intentionally dug and filled holes were created to hide the bodies. Additionally, geometric engravings, including a “rough hashtag figure,” were found on the smoothed surfaces of a nearby cave pillar.
These discoveries provide a unique glimpse into the past, shedding light on Homo naledi’s capacity for complex emotions and cognitive behaviors. They not only reveal the capabilities of this ancient species but also challenge the idea that complex practices like burial were only achievable with the development of larger brains.
Named after the “Rising Star” cave system where the first bones were discovered in 2013, Homo naledi’s distinctive characteristics blur the line between our ancestors resembling apes and modern humans. Anthropologists have long regarded burial as a universal expression of our humanity, but this ancient burial site has forced a reevaluation of the origins and nature of this practice.
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