It’s an exciting development that could have major implications for researchers. They uncovered signs that Homo naledi — an extinct relative of modern humans — may have performed burial rituals, indicating the species possessed complex social behaviors. Scientists stumbled upon these fascinating finds in the winding Rising Star cave system outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. All of this has triggered a resurgence of interest in the intelligence of this ancient species. This 2023 research adds to that evidence, revealing that H. naledi conducted burial rituals. They buried their dead in oval-shaped, shallow pits, and decorated the rock above with elaborate carvings.
Fossil evidence of Homo naledi’s distinct anatomy suggests they would’ve stood about 5 feet tall and weighed an estimated 100 pounds. This two-legged species possessed a brain only one-third the size of present-day humans. It nevertheless did exhibit physical characteristics that would have allowed for an upright gait. Their extraordinary, near-perfect condition provides us with tremendous knowledge about how they lived.
Since their initial discovery in 2013, over 1,500 bones from multiple individuals have been unearthed in the Rising Star cave system. This vast seabed of caverns extends more than 2.5 miles and has offered up a treasure trove of detail on H. naledi. The discovery of these purposeful burials is the latest development adding to our deepening narrative surrounding these ancient hominins.
The burials were found within a chamber of the cave. These skeletal remains were located in what appear to be deliberately excavated graves. These remains were typical of bodies that had been buried and then decayed. Archaeologists found monumental inscriptions covering the burials. The edges of soft rock were meticulously shaved down before the intricately detailed designs were carved with a stone instrument.
“I now think that the authors provide sufficient evidence for the presence of ‘repeated and patterned’ deliberate burials” – (no attribution)
The possibility of purposeful burials and engravings has sparked a healthy debate on H. naledi’s cognitive capabilities. To some researchers, this is considered an example of “shared grief,” akin to the emotional lives of modern humans. Some others warn not to read too much into the implications.
“They are also hard to prove as being intentional or forms of abstract thinking,” – Athreya
The changes in the cave system suggest that H. naledi individuals went to great lengths. They purposefully created these spaces for their dead.
“They’ve intensely altered this space across kilometers of underground cave systems.” – Berger
The release of this discovery has garnered widespread popular and scientific excitement. It upends our current understandings of our ancient human relatives.
“the world cares deeply about the H. naledi hominins and their story,” – (no attribution)
Experts are quick to caution that more archaeological research is required to substantiate these assertions.
“This is a job for archaeology — lots of archaeology.” – Jonathan Marks
Despite some skepticism, there is a growing consensus that the evidence meets criteria for recognizing these practices as deliberate burial rituals.
“we feel that they’ve met the litmus test of human burials or archaic human burials.” – Berger
So, read the headlines about these results with caution. It takes much more context and a greater wealth of evidence to understand just how important they really are.
“I can see where they are connecting the dots with this data and do think it was worth reporting, but it should have been done with many more caveats,” – Sheela Athreya
