Unveiling an odd fate after death: The isolated Eneolithic cranium discovered in the Marcel Loubens Cave (Bologna, Northern Italy)

Abstract

An isolated human cranium, dated to the early Eneolithic period, was discovered in 2015 at the top of a vertical shaft in the natural Marcel Loubens gypsum Cave (Bologna area, northern Italy). No other anthropological or archaeological remains were found inside the cave. In other caves of the same area anthropic and funerary use are attested from prehistory to more recent periods. We focused on investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of this individual, since the cranium shows signs of some lesions that appear to be the results of a perimortem manipulation probably carried out to remove soft tissues. Anthropological analyses revealed that the cranium belonged to a young woman. We analysed the taphonomic features and geological context to understand how and why the cranium ended up (accidentally or intentionally) in the cave. The analyses of both the sediments accumulated inside the cranium and the incrustations and pigmentation covering its outer surface suggested that it fell into the cave, drawn by a flow of water and mud, likely from the edges of a doline. The accidental nature of the event is also seemingly confirmed by some post-mortem lesions on the cranium. The comparison with other Eneolithic archaeological sites in northern Italy made it possible to interpret the find as likely being from a funerary or ritual context, in which corpse dismemberment (in particular the displacement of crania) was practiced.

Scientific and Ethical Aspects of Identified Skeletal Series: The Case of the Documented Human Osteological Collections of the University of Bologna (Northern Italy)

“…These collections have been the subject of a large body of research focused on various topics. The latter include methodological studies focused on estimation of age-at-death and attribution of sex [47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61], the study of entheseal changes in modern humans [62][63][64][65][66][67], and the discussion of their variability among extinct taxa [1][2][3][4]. Additional topics of investigation have been the various expression and demographic distribution of skeletal morphological variants and pathological changes [68][69][70][71], as well as dental and palate traits [72][73][74][75][76].…”

Human Remains Identification Using Micro-CT, Spectroscopic and A.I. Methods in Forensic Experimental Reconstruction of Dental Patterns After Concentrated Acid Significant Impact

“…Further, the process of human skeletal identification must provide conclusions about the degree of certainty or probability of identification. New artificial intelligence algorithms can enhance methods of estimations already practiced in human anthropology like estimation of age or diet [16][17][18]. At this current point, new forensic identification methodologies, which are based on the quantification of evidentiary value for forensic radiologic comparisons of dental patterns, are excellent.…”

On the traces of lost identities: chronological, anthropological and taphonomic analyses of the Late Neolithic/Early Eneolithic fragmented and commingled human remains from the Farneto rock shelter (Bologna, Northern Italy)

“…In fact, most recent analyses are radically changing this scenario. The taphonomic and anthropological analyses carried out on the isolated Early Eneolithic cranium recently retrieved in the Marcel Loubens Cave allowed stating that some peculiar funerary practices, such as cleaning from soft tissues, were performed on the individual immediately after death, i.e., peri mortem (Belcastro et al 2021). Similar results come from the recent revision of the human skeletal remains from the 'Tana della Mussina', where it was possible to detect the presence of some peri mortem cut marks on a mandible (Cavazzuti et al 2020).…”

“…Thereby it is possible to gain valuable insights into the demographic characteristics of the human group forming the assemblage, as well as to reach a better comprehension of mortuary treatments or possible funerary practices and rituals performed in those contexts (cf. Mariotti et al 2009Mariotti et al , 2014Mariotti et al , 2021Belcastro et al 2010;Mariotti and Belcastro 2017).…”

“…2) To shed light on the origin of the assemblage through the analysis of possible traces of deliberate human intervention on the bones (peri mortem vs. post mortem fractures, traces of treatment of the cadaver; cf. Mariotti et al 2009Mariotti et al , 2020Mariotti et al , 2021Belcastro et al 2010Belcastro et al , 2021.…”