Neanderthals: The Burial Of The Dead

There is an abundance of early modern human remains found with the bodies purposefully placed therefore it is widely acknowledged and accepted that this primitive species buried their dead (Peyrony, 1921). Furthermore due to the careful and relatively recent burial skeletons are well preserved, degradation of the remains is slight therefore improving the quality and quantity of remains for analysis. This consistent evidence reflects the developed social behaviours of early modern humans; the ceremonious treatment of the bodies of the dead shows a spiritual or ritualistic awareness. Burial of the dead may even show the faint beginnings of religion, a belief to bring the band of early modern humans together; with a social focal point.

Compared

One of the Neanderthals found at Shanidar exhibits healed injury to the head, and a weak right arm thought to have been a birth defect. However, the remains have been identified as a 40 year old, clearly showing a level of empathy amongst Neanderthals. Despite the harsh environments and changing climates during which the Neanderthals existed, it would have been less of a hindrance to survival if the boy was left to die at birth. The prolonged nursing of an injured family member provides a clear snapshot into the caring and emotive lifestyle of the

The first Neanderthal discovered in 1856 in German limestone caves, uncovered a skull (~1525cm3) bigger than modern humans (Figure 2) and 15 pieces of postcranial remains. Original analysis by Schaaffhausen (1858, 1888) and T.H. Huxley (1863) suggested the remains belonged to an under-developed ancestor, yet re-examination by R. Virchow (1872) argued the stooped stature was a pathological result, the skeleton was that of an old man, suffering from arthritis. Neanderthals had larger bodies than early modern humans, with wide shoulders, thick bones for their strong muscle attachments, and stockier frame. The large size of the brain has been accounted for by comparing body to brain size; analysis comparing the two shows that the brain is in fact in proportion to the rest of their body. The brain capacity designated for body control has been calculated; the volume of brain left for tasks other than body control is significantly smaller than that of humans. Hence, the mental capacity remaining for social interaction and higher cognition (consciousness) is less than our ancestors, this can be used to explain the divide between the two hominins. This evidence further proves that Neanderthals did have brain capacity for these higher social functions, the size of their brains would have limited their abilities for full social interaction as sophisticated as