via PloS One, 24 August 2022: A new paper by Samper Carro et al. outline different mortuary practices found in Alor, Indonesia, which may suggest different belief or cultural systems in prehistoric Southeast Asia.
Burial elaborations are a human behaviour that, in recent contexts can inform on social diversification, belief systems, and the introduction of new practices resulting from migration or cultural transmission. The study of mortuary practices in Mainland and Island Southeast Asia has revealed complex and diverse treatments of the deceased. This paper contributes to this topic with the description of three new burials excavated in Tron Bon Lei (Alor Island, Indonesia) dated to 7.5, 10, and 12 kya cal BP. In addition to the bioskeletal profiles and palaeohealth observations, we propose the adoption of archaeothanatological methods to characterise burial types in the region. Through the analysis of skeletal element representation, body position, articulation, and grave associations, we provide an example of a holistic approach to mortuary treatments in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Our results provide significant new data for understanding the evolution and diversification of burial practices in Southeast Asia, contributing to a growing body of literature describing prehistoric socio-cultural behaviour in this region.
See also:
- Prehistoric burials gives insights into early human migration | Cosmos, 25 Aug 2022
- The talking dead: burials inform migrations in Indonesia | Science Direct, 25 Aug 2022
- Ancient Burials Bring Indonesian Life to Light | Discover, 26 Aug 2022
- 3 Ancient Burials Hint at Multiple Migrations of Ancient Humans Through Southeast Asia | Science Alert, 27 Aug 2022
