I look forward to learning how the disposition of remains precludes other possible explanations than intentional burial and to seeing the results once they have been vetted by peer review.” “Burial, meaning-making, even ‘art’ could have a much more complicated, dynamic, non-human history than we previously thought,” said study co-author Professor Agustin Fuentes of Princeton University.Ĭarol Ward, an anthropologist from the University of Missouri who wasn’t involved in the research, told AFP: “These findings, if confirmed, would be of considerable potential importance. While these latest discoveries still require additional analysis, the researchers involved believe they have made strides in our understanding of human evolution. We’re about to tell the world that’s not true,” said Berger. We think it’s all tied up with this big brain. “That was too much for scientists to take at that time. ![]() When he first suggested in 2015 that Homo naledi was capable of behavior beyond what its small brain size would suggest, many within the scientific community met his assertions with skepticism. However, these findings may ruffle feathers within the paleontological community, where Berger has faced criticism in the past for jumping to conclusions and lacking scientific rigor. sapiens or other hominins with large brain sizes,” noted the researchers. “These discoveries show that mortuary practices were not limited to H. These holes, thought to have been deliberately dug, were filled to cover the bodies and contained at least five individuals. At the center of the latest studies were oval-shaped interments uncovered during 2018 excavations in the underground cave system. That would mean not only are humans not unique in the development of symbolic practices, but may not have even invented such behaviors.” Researchers made other fascinating discoveries at the siteįurther intriguing artifacts included engravings forming geometrical shapes on a cave pillar’s purposefully smoothed surfaces. According to Berger, the implications of the markings, along with evidence of intentional burials, suggest that Homo naledi engaged in meaningful activities associated with death.īerger shared his observations with AFP, stating, “It seems an inevitable conclusion that in combination, they indicate that this small-brained species of ancient human relatives were performing complex practices related to death. These findings draw parallels with our ancient Neanderthal relatives, who used similar symbols nearly 600,000 years ago, and Homo sapiens in South Africa about 80,000 years ago. Even though some markings appear to have been made by mistake or left unfinished, a total of 46 non-natural engraved marks were discovered near one of the graves. Interestingly, they appeared thought out and were consistently repeated using some sharp tool. These deeply impressed cross-hatchings and other geometric shapes were found on surfaces that appeared to have been intentionally prepared and smoothed. Symbols marking the graves were identified by Berger and his team in July 2022 and have since been published. Their curved fingers and toes, adept hands for wielding tools, and feet designed for walking, have already challenged the idea that human evolution followed a straight path. This ancient relative has a brain size comparable to that of a chimpanzee and stands about five feet tall. Homo naledi is a primitive species positioned between apes and modern humans. The expedition revealed a trove of skeletal remains of adults and children under the earth, including a single body with 83 identifiable bone fragments and teeth. The first remnants of this species within the South African cave system were unearthed in 2013. ![]() This is not the first time Homo naledi has made headlines. He found the burial site 100 feet deep within the UNESCO world heritage site known as the Cradle of Humankind, near Johannesburg. ![]() Lee Berger, a leading paleoanthropologist collaborating with National Geographic, was at the helm of this breakthrough. However, the recent findings predate our species by at least 100,000 years, suggesting a fundamental rewrite of our historical understanding. Until now, the assumption has been that these sophisticated behaviors were unique to larger-brained ancient Homo sapiens. This discovery has potentially historic implications. Findings predate Homo sapiens burial rituals by 100,000 years ![]() However, the Homo naledi brain is only the size of an orange – a dimension that previously led scientists to believe it was incapable of creating symbolic or “meaning-making” activities. Such behavior might sound familiar, as it’s typical of us, Homo sapiens.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |