A hoard of at least 15 human skulls from the Neolithic period has been unearthed at Masseria Candelaro, a prehistoric site in the Puglia region of Italy. The discovery, reported in the European Journal of Archaeology, has raised questions about ancient burial practices and rituals. Radiocarbon dating shows that the skulls belonged to individuals who lived between 5618 and 5335 BC and the majority of the remains are believed to have come from men.
The study was published in European Journal of ArcheologyReportedly, the skulls were found inside a structure labeled “Structure Q”, which was not a designated burial site, but rather a sunken feature that contained both domestic and ritual objects. According to Cambridge University archaeologist Jess Thompson, who spoke to Live Science, the skulls were first retrieved from the burial, handled extensively, and later deposited together. The bones showed signs of wear but no evidence of violence, rejecting enemy head trophy theories.
Unusual ritual practices suggested
The fragmentary condition of the skulls has led researchers to believe that they were part of ancestral rituals. It has been speculated that the bones may have been displayed or handled for symbolic purposes, although no direct evidence was found, such as modifications for suspension. Thompson reported that the importance of human bones appears to be linked to their perceived power or efficacy within the community.
no specific burial site
The skulls were covered with light soil, suggesting that they had been discarded rather than formally buried. In this context the act of depositing the remains represents a form of “decommissioning” of the bones, turning them into “pre-ancestors”. Thompson said that the final placement probably had a symbolic meaning, indicating the end of their use in rituals.
The discovery adds to the growing evidence of complex mortuary practices during the Neolithic period and sheds light on how early societies interacted with their dead. Further study may reveal additional information about these ancient customs.
