New Study Finds Neanderthal ‘Flower Burial’ Theory Might Have Been Misinterpreted
In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have challenged the long-held belief that Neanderthals buried their dead with flowers. The theory, which first arose in 1960, suggested that Neanderthals were not the brutish creatures they were once thought to be, but rather caring individuals who showed respect for their deceased counterparts.
Archaeologist Ralph Solecki discovered the so-called flower burial while exploring Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq. He found a male Neanderthal skeleton, known as Shanidar 4, surrounded by clumps of pollen. At the time, archaeologist Arlette Leroi-Gourhan hypothesized that these clumps were anthers, the pollen-containing structures in flowers, suggesting Neanderthals had performed a ceremonial burial with flowers.
However, a new study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science proposes an alternative hypothesis. The researchers suggest that the pollen found at the site might have been brought in by cave-dwelling pollinators, such as bees, rather than intentionally placed there by Neanderthals. Traces of ancient pollen found on the cave floor, away from the skeletons, support this theory.
Further examination of the pollen clumps found near the Neanderthal remains revealed some inconsistencies with the original flower burial hypothesis. Some of the pollen came from flowers that bloom at different times of the year, making it unlikely that they arrived together. Additionally, one of the clumps contained pollen from different species of plants, which is inconsistent with how flowers naturally produce pollen. These findings suggest that the pollen could have been carried by bees, which often forage from multiple flower species and transport pollen in bags on their legs.
While the study does not provide conclusive evidence that the pollen arrived via bees, it casts doubt on the flower burial theory proposed by Solecki and Leroi-Gourhan. However, it does support the idea that Neanderthals cared for their dead in some way. The skeletons found in Shanidar Cave were interred separately, years apart, and shared common orientations and positioning, indicating a deliberate and meaningful burial practice.
Lead author Chris Hunt, a professor emeritus at Liverpool John Moores University, believes that the cave itself held significance to the Neanderthals, as it was selected for multiple burials over time. Hunt speculates that branches found near the skeletons may have been used to protect them, further suggesting a level of tenderness and care towards the deceased.
While the flower burial theory may have been debunked, this new research sheds light on the complex behaviors and social practices of Neanderthals, challenging previous assumptions about their intelligence and compassion. The study opens up new avenues for understanding our ancient human relatives and continues to reshape our understanding of their rich history.