KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA—Live Science reports that prehistoric burials have been discovered in Malaysia’s Nenggiri Valley. Zuliskandar Ramli of the National University of Malaysia said that the remains of 16 individuals were recovered from 13 limestone caves at four different sites. Fifteen of the individuals were buried in a crouched position, indicating that they date to the pre-Neolithic period. The oldest of these remains have been dated to between 14,000 and 16,000 years ago. “This is the most complete and oldest skeleton in a fully flexed position found in the country,” Ramli said. One skeleton, found in an extended position, has been radiocarbon dated to the Neolithic period, some 6,000 years ago. More than 70,000 artifacts, including fragments of stone tools, pottery, and stone ornaments, were also recovered from the caves. Stone tools, red ochre, and crystals were found in the pre-Neolithic graves, Ramli added, while the Neolithic-period grave contained a stone bracelet, polished stone tools, and pottery. The sites will be flooded in 2027 as part of a hydroelectric project. To read about a recent discovery in Malaysia's Bujang Valley, go to "Around the World: Malaysia."
Prehistoric Burials Unearthed in Malaysia
News September 11, 2024
SHARE:
Recommended Articles
Danish National Museum & Anders Fischer/A. Fischer, et al, J. Archaeol. Sci.:Rep Vol 39 103102 (2021)
Digs & Discoveries September/October 2024
Location is Everything
The Anchor Church Field Project;
Digs & Discoveries September/October 2024
Cosmic Ray Calendar
© Dispilio Excavations, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Digs & Discoveries July/August 2024
Neolithic Piercings
-
Features September/October 2024
Hunting for the Lost Temple of Artemis
After a century of searching, a chance discovery led archaeologists to one of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient Greek world
Courtesy Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece -
Letter from Nigeria July/August 2024
A West African Kingdom's Roots
Excavations in Benin City reveal a renowned realm’s deep history
(Mike Pitts) -
Artifacts July/August 2024
Etruscan Oil Lamp
(Courtesy Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca e della Città di Cortona; © DeA Picture Library/Art Resource, NY) -
Digs & Discoveries September/October 2024
A Taíno Idol's Origin Story
Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography Turin