Palaeontologists in South Africa said on Monday they have found the oldest known burial site in the world, containing remains of a small-brained distant relative of humans previously thought incapable of complex behaviour.
Palaeontologists in South Africa said on Monday they have found the oldest known burial site in the world.
"These are the most ancient interments yet recorded in the hominin record, earlier than evidence of Homo sapiens interments by at least 100 000 years," the scientists wrote in a series of yet to be peer reviewed and preprint papers to be published in eLife. Those found in South Africa by Berger, whose previous announcements have been controversial, and his fellow researchers, date back to at least 200 000 BC.
The holes, which researchers say evidence suggests were deliberately dug and then filled in to cover the bodies, contain at least five individuals.These discoveries show that mortuary practices were not limited to Homo sapiens or other hominins with large brain sizes. Such statements are likely to ruffle some feathers in the world of palaeontology, where the 57-year-old has previously faced accusations of lacking scientific rigour and rushing to conclusions.
Agustin Fuentes, a professor of anthropology at Princeton University, who co-authored the studies, said:
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WATCH | Justice Malala in conversation with Mondli Makhanya about 'The Plot to Save South Africa' | LifeJustice Malala spoke to City Press editor Mondli Makhanya at the launch of The Plot to Save South Africa: Chris Hani's Murder and the Week Mandela Averted Civil War.
Read more »
Big names come together to tackle AI in South AfricaSouth Africa has launched the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA).
Read more »
SA economy grows by 0.4% despite load sheddingThe South African economy has expanded by 0.4%, Statistics South Africa announced on Tuesday.
Read more »
World's oldest-known burial site found in South Africa: scientistsPalaeontologists in South Africa said Monday they have found the oldest known burial site in the world, containing remains of a small-brained distant relative of humans previously thought incapable of complex behaviour.
Read more »
Africa’s indebted sovereigns seek escape route from China-West tensions - The Africa Report.comGeopolitical tensions between China and the West create the danger that indebted African governments will be the victims of power struggles beyond their control.
Read more »
Africa: Tackling Health Impacts of Plastic Pollution in AfricaEvery year more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally and an estimated 19-23 million tons end up in lakes, rivers and seas. However, less than 10% of the world's annual plastic production is recycled. In Africa, which produces only 5% and consumes 4% of global plastic, growing population and urbanization are driving an increase in single-use plastic, heightening environmental pollution and health threats.
Read more »