LA FERRASSIE, FRANCE — Researchers recently analyzed the remains of a Neanderthal child and found that the two-year-old was probably buried by its tribe, casting new light on the way these ancient cousins of humans treated their deceased. <br /><br />According to the research paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the child's skeleton was first unearthed in 1973 from a rock shelter at the La Ferrassie dig site in southwest France. <br /><br />Much of the evidence for Neanderthal burial practices comes from digs undertaken in the early 20th century, before today's rigorous archaeological standards. <br /><br />This led to initial scepticism as to the veracity of the purported burial sites. <br /><br />The new researchers re-examined the remains and re-visited the original excavation site. They concluded that 41,000 years ago, the child had been laid carefully in a grave that was then covered with fresh soil. <br /><br />This would make it the first evidence for a Neanderthal burial in Europe, adding further support to the notion that funerary practices are not unique to our species. <br /><br />The team radiocarbon dated one of the skeleton's smaller bones, placing it at around 41,000 years old.
