Researchers uncover the world's oldest known adult cremation pyre in Africa, shedding new light on ancient hunter-gatherer communities. Dating back approximately 9,500 years, the pyre was discovered in a rock shelter near Mount Hora in northern Malawi. It is believed to be the oldest intentional human cremation found in Africa and the first such pyre associated with African hunter-gatherers.
The remains of an adult woman, estimated to be around 1.5 meters tall, were found in two clusters, along with layers of ash, charcoal, and sediment. Her skull was missing, but cut marks suggest that some bones were separated at the joints before being burned. It is unclear whether this was a violent act or a deliberate removal as part of a funerary ritual.
The researchers believe that body parts may have been taken as tokens for curation or reburial elsewhere. This theory is supported by similar practices among modern societies, where locks of hair or ashes are kept to honor deceased loved ones. Dr Jessica Cerezo-Román from the University of Oklahoma stated that such rituals demonstrate a complex social hierarchy and the importance of honoring ancestors.
The discovery also highlights the advanced knowledge and skills required for building pyres. The team found evidence of stone-knapping, which may have been used to cut flesh before burning. The size of the pyre suggests it would have taken significant planning and coordination to construct.
One fire was made directly above the pyre's location after its discovery, possibly as an act of remembrance. However, multiple campfires were also found at the site, suggesting that the rock shelter may have been used for daily life as well.
The findings push back our understanding of intentional cremations in Africa by over 5,000 years. Prior to this discovery, the earliest confirmed intentional cremations were only known from around 3,500 years ago among pastoral Neolithic communities. The presence of different treatment for deceased individuals based on social roles raises new questions about the complexity and diversity of ancient African societies.
This groundbreaking research has sparked excitement among archaeologists, who see it as a testament to the advanced cultural systems and high level of social complexity that existed in hunter-gatherer communities over 9,500 years ago.
The remains of an adult woman, estimated to be around 1.5 meters tall, were found in two clusters, along with layers of ash, charcoal, and sediment. Her skull was missing, but cut marks suggest that some bones were separated at the joints before being burned. It is unclear whether this was a violent act or a deliberate removal as part of a funerary ritual.
The researchers believe that body parts may have been taken as tokens for curation or reburial elsewhere. This theory is supported by similar practices among modern societies, where locks of hair or ashes are kept to honor deceased loved ones. Dr Jessica Cerezo-Román from the University of Oklahoma stated that such rituals demonstrate a complex social hierarchy and the importance of honoring ancestors.
The discovery also highlights the advanced knowledge and skills required for building pyres. The team found evidence of stone-knapping, which may have been used to cut flesh before burning. The size of the pyre suggests it would have taken significant planning and coordination to construct.
One fire was made directly above the pyre's location after its discovery, possibly as an act of remembrance. However, multiple campfires were also found at the site, suggesting that the rock shelter may have been used for daily life as well.
The findings push back our understanding of intentional cremations in Africa by over 5,000 years. Prior to this discovery, the earliest confirmed intentional cremations were only known from around 3,500 years ago among pastoral Neolithic communities. The presence of different treatment for deceased individuals based on social roles raises new questions about the complexity and diversity of ancient African societies.
This groundbreaking research has sparked excitement among archaeologists, who see it as a testament to the advanced cultural systems and high level of social complexity that existed in hunter-gatherer communities over 9,500 years ago.
The fact that they had such advanced knowledge and skills for building pyres is just mind-blowing... I mean, who knew our ancestors were rock-knapping pros? 
And the idea that body parts might have been taken as tokens to honor their loved ones? It's like, wow, this culture was so much more complex than we thought! 
It's amazing how this discovery is pushing back our understanding of intentional cremations in Africa by over 5,000 years... I feel like I'm learning something new every day 
My kids are always asking me about the past and I wish there were more discoveries like this to share with them. Maybe one day they'll be archaeologists too! 
I need to read more about this stuff, it's so fascinating! 
. just another reminder that ppl back then were already dealing with the same issues we are now - grief, identity crisis, and social status. seems like they were more complex than we give them credit for... but what's the point of even having a grand ceremony when you're just gonna burn the body anyway? 
. and btw, why do ppl have to die in such a dramatic way? couldn't it've been a peaceful death or somethin'? 
. And that theory about the body parts being taken as tokens for curation or reburial is super fascinating 
. It's crazy to think that we're learning new things about human history that are pushing our current understanding by over 5,000 years 
. But hey, at least we can say our ancestors knew how to throw a party...I mean, cremation 
. The fact that they might have taken body parts as tokens for curation or reburial is pretty cool, I guess 
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i mean, think about it, people were doing this kinda thing way before we even existed as a society. and the fact that they had different treatment for deceased individuals based on social roles is wild 
I'm also impressed by the skills these ancient Africans had to build a pyre like that. It's clear they were super organized and planned ahead.
does anyone think this was more common in ancient societies?
, nope! They were actually trying to honor their ancestors in a way that made sense to them.
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