Expert: Ralph Salier - 3/30/2008

Question
Hey Ralph,

I've always wondered about the mortuary behaviors/practices of the Paleolithic times. I've read a lot about Neanderthal burial practices in La Chapelle and La Ferrassie, but I was wondering if the Cro-Magnon of the same region practiced similar techniques, or were they more elaborate and complex?

Can we assume that through the latter stages, both species' practices may have overlapped/shared common beliefs in Europe?

If you can refer me to any place or articles which cover Cro-Magnon mortuary practices I'd greatly appreciate it.

Answer
Hi AJ

Early Modern Humans (EMH) had a multitude of practices from buring the dead with flowers and grave goods to defleshing and feeding the remains to carrion birds.  It all depends on the evironmental situation and needs of the community.  Several sites in Georgia (CIS) and the middle east have some of the earliest materials of these early modern humans.  The practices of those living in southern Spain most closely mimic those found in Neaderthal burial practices and it is felt that these two populations most closely in contact towards the end of the Ice Ages.  The Neanderthals dying out while the EMH were on the rise.

As for sharing common beliefs, it is in the realm of possibility but given the artistic talents of EMH and his broader skill set, I suspect that EMH would have a far different belief system.

To find more on EMH's mortuary practices, try going to www.google. com and put in Cro-Magnon mortuary practices or Cro-Magnon treatment of the dead etc...

Good Luck.