Scientists have discovered cut marks on a 850,000-year-old human neck bone in Spain’s Gran Dolina cave. The findings suggest that an ancient hominin species, Homo antecessor, may have cannibalized a toddler, but not all scientists agree.
The vertebra was found along with bones from nine other individuals, dated to around 850,000 years ago, and showed clear cut marks and fractures made to reach the marrow inside. However, some researchers disagree that these markings are conclusive evidence of cannibalism.
“It’s direct evidence that the child was processed like any other prey,” says Palmira Saladié, an archaeologist with the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution. But others argue that decapitation does not necessarily mean the individual was consumed.
Michael Pante, a paleoanthropologist from Colorado State University, notes that cannibalism is rare and that the discovery may be misinterpreted. “It doesn’t mean they consumed that individual,” he says. “They were cutting up a child for some reason.” He suggests alternative explanations, such as a funeral ritual or stripping flesh from bones for reburial.
James Cole, an archaeologist and expert in early human cannibalism, views the new findings as fascinating and hints at the rich story of human evolution that the site still holds. However, he also acknowledges the complexity of interpreting ancient remains.
The discovery raises questions about the nature of cannibalism among early humans and whether it was practiced for nutritional purposes or ritualistic reasons. Further research is needed to resolve this debate and shed light on our evolutionary past.
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/850000-year-old-child-neck-bone-and-cannibalism