Reference no: EM131683721

As discussed somewhat in the textbook in the section on Neanderthal burials (pp. 266-267) there has been a serious, ongoing debate among Neanderthal researchers about whether these people practiced intentional burial of their dead or not. Although, contrary to what is said in the text about sites such as La Ferrassie and Spy, the actual evidence that these were intentional burials is almost non-existent. Statements, like those made in the text, that these sites are clear examples of intentional burial is, unfortunately, just scholars repeating what one researcher said at some point in the past and the actual purported evidence is almost never re-examined. This was one of the reasons for the addition of the supplemental reading at the end of the text on the Neanderthal child from Roc de Marsal. 

After reading the supplemental section, what minimum criteria would you argue would conclusively demonstrate that a body had been intentionally buried? Keep in mind that natural processes can bury bodies and that the very first burial practices would be very simple so we would not expect to see elaborate tombs or headstones. Imagine the most basic of methods and customs that you might be familiar with around the world. This would be a very good topic for an online group discussion.