A significant archaeological discovery in Malawi has revealed a cremation pyre believed to be approximately 9,500 years old, offering new insights into the funerary practices of ancient hunter-gatherer societies. This find marks the oldest known pyre containing adult remains in the world and the earliest confirmed intentional cremation in Africa.

Location and Discovery
The pyre was uncovered in a rock shelter at the base of Mount Hora in northern Malawi during excavations conducted in 2017 and 2018. Researchers identified 170 individual bone fragments, which are thought to belong to an adult woman measuring just under 1.5 meters tall. Notably, the woman’s skull was missing, and evidence suggests that some bones were intentionally separated at the joints before cremation.

Funerary Rituals
Dr. Jessica Cerezo-Román, the lead researcher from the University of Oklahoma, indicated that there is no evidence of violent acts or cannibalism associated with the remains. Instead, the removal of body parts likely formed part of a funerary ritual, possibly to serve as tokens for remembrance. Dr. Jessica Thompson from Yale University noted that contemporary practices, such as keeping locks of hair or ashes, parallel these ancient customs.

Complexity of Early Societies
The researchers suggest that the rock shelter served as a natural monument for the community, with burial activities occurring over a span of 8,000 years. The presence of both complete skeletons and small collections of bones from various individuals supports the hypothesis that certain bones from the cremated woman may have been deliberately removed for curation or reburial.

Construction and Cultural Significance
The size of the pyre, comparable to a queen-sized mattress, indicates that considerable knowledge and skill were required for its construction and maintenance. The discovery also included stone flakes and points, which may have been incorporated into funeral rituals. The evidence suggests that the body was moved during cremation, and at least one subsequent fire was lit directly above the pyre, possibly as a commemorative act.

Daily Life and Continued Use
In addition to the pyre, the site shows signs of multiple campfires, indicating that the shelter was likely used for daily living activities. This multifaceted use of the space highlights the complexity of the social and cultural practices of the hunter-gatherer communities in the region.

Wrap-up
The discovery of the ancient cremation pyre in Malawi not only pushes back the timeline of known funerary practices in Africa but also enriches our understanding of the social structures and rituals of early human societies. As researchers continue to study the site, further revelations about the lives and customs of these ancient communities are anticipated.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team