Ancient Burial Site of Homo Naledi Challenges Traditional Views of Human Practices
The act of burying the deceased has long been considered a universal expression of human tradition, symbolizing respect for those who have passed and acknowledging a life once lived. However, a burial site dating back 200,000 years, recently discovered in South Africa, has sparked new questions about the “human” nature of this ancient practice.
Located within a cave system near Johannesburg, the site has unveiled a remarkable collection of remains belonging to Homo naledi, a primitive species predating any evidence of burial practices modern humans a staggering 100,000 years. With a brain size roughly equivalent to an orange and a height of around 1.5 meters, Homo naledi was distinctive with their curved fingers and toes, as well as their hands and feet adapted for both climbing and walking.
The burial site, situated 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 nearcave pillar.
These groundbreaking discoveries provide insight into Homo naledi’s capacity for complex emotions and cognitive behaviors, challenging 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 ape-like ancestors and modern humans. This raises important questions about the origins and evolution of human customs and practices.