Issues of theory and method in the analysis of Paleolithic mortuary behavior: A view from Shanidar Cave

Abstract

Mortuary behavior (activities concerning dead conspecifics) is one of many traits that were previously widely considered to have been uniquely human, but on which perspectives have changed markedly in recent years. Theoretical approaches to hominin mortuary activity and its evolution have undergone major revision, and advances in diverse archeological and paleoanthropological methods have brought new ways of identifying behaviors such as intentional burial. Despite these advances, debates concerning the nature of hominin mortuary activity, particularly among the Neanderthals, rely heavily on the rereading of old excavations as new finds are relatively rare, limiting the extent to which such debates can benefit from advances in the field. The recent discovery of in situ articulated Neanderthal remains at Shanidar Cave offers a rare opportunity to take full advantage of these methodological and theoretical developments to understand Neanderthal mortuary activity, making a review of these advances relevant and timely.

The discovery of an in situ Neanderthal remain in the Bawa Yawan Rockshelter, West-Central Zagros Mountains, Kermanshah

“…The presence of Neanderthals in the Zagros has been known for decades [ 26 , 27 , 29 , 32 ]. However, few sites (Shanidar, Warwasi, Ghar-e-Khar, Kaldar, Ghamari, Gilvaran) preserve both MP and UP industries [ 25 – 27 , 51 , 52 ], while chronometric ages derive only from the old and new excavations at Shanidar, which point to the use of the cave by Neanderthals between 70,000 and 45,000 BP [ 26 – 28 ]. The age between 43,000 and 41,000 cal.…”

“…MP sites are relatively numerous, although only three have yielded Neanderthal fossils. The best-known of these is Shanidar, where the remains of ten Neanderthals were discovered [ 26 – 28 ]. The Shanidar Neanderthals have played a major role in the discussions about the complexity of Neanderthal behaviour, both for the presence of older-aged individuals in the fossil assemblage and the controversial claims of a ‘flower burial’.…”

“…The Shanidar Neanderthals have played a major role in the discussions about the complexity of Neanderthal behaviour, both for the presence of older-aged individuals in the fossil assemblage and the controversial claims of a ‘flower burial’. Yet, despite their importance, their timing and contemporaneity have not been finely resolved; a broad age between 70,000 and 45,000 years has usually been reported, although recent excavations have suggested an age range of 55,000–45,000 years [ 28 ]. Approximately 350 km to the southeast, among a number of MP and UP sites, Wezmeh and Bisetun Caves in the Kermanshah region ( Fig 1 ) have also produced Neanderthal remains.…”

Pluridisciplinary evidence for burial for the La Ferrassie 8 Neandertal child

“…This multidisciplinary approach should also be extended to other Neandertal skeletons and sites, to provide robust data that will allow us to contextualize information at both the site and regional scale. This is necessary to seriously address historically debated issues such as the relationship of Neandertals with the Châtelperronian industry and the chronological and geographical extent of funerary behaviours 60 , as well as providing a more precise chronology for the last Neandertals.…”

Into the Unknown: Microbial Communities in Caves, Their Role, and Potential Use

“…Archeological studies have shown evidence of caves being used by man since the Paleolithic period. Mainly, but not exclusively for shelter and storage, but also as places for artistic expression, burial, or ceremonial sites [1,2]. Today, caves are mainly objects of tourist activity, with people visiting show caves to admire Paleolithic paintings or interesting rock formations [3,4].…”