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Evidence discovered by archaeologists reveals that individuals who were buried approximately 6,000 years ago in large stone tombs in Spain were subjected to defleshing and dismemberment after their passing. This discovery provides insight into the unusual funeral customs that were practiced during that era.
Archaeologists discovered that the massive tombs located at Los Zumacales and La Lora in northern Spain, which were excavated many years ago, contained the remains of more than 25 people who inhabited the area in the fourth millennium BC.
A recent publication in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology examined the funerary customs associated with these tombs, investigating the societal and environmental factors influencing the condition of the remains.
The study has uncovered evidence that the bones of these ancient individuals were broken or shattered either during or following their death.
Researchers, such as Angélica Santa-Cruz from the University of Salamanca in Spain, discovered that a significant majority (70-90%) of the bones found in the large tombs had suffered fractures. This included arm bones with distinctive “butterfly-shaped” breaks.
The presence of cut marks and fractures on the bones indicates that they were probably created with stone tools after being unearthed.
Archaeologists state that examination of these bones has uncovered indications of deliberate choice and handling of the remains, along with the removal of substances from the burial site.
In the study, scientists stated that this evidence could be connected to secondary reduction techniques that occurred after the bodies were initially deposited.
Although the reason for this burial tradition among ancient civilizations is not known for certain, experts believe it may have been a way to hasten the decomposition process and some bones may have been saved for religious veneration as relics.
The researchers were unable to dismiss the notion that certain evidence could be indicative of post-death cannibalism, as previous studies have documented numerous cases of this behavior in ancient northwestern Europe.
Archaeologists caution that such a claim must be made with great care.
Researchers are urging for further investigations on the bones found in tombs within the region in order to gain a deeper understanding of burial customs during that period.
Source: independent.co.uk
