Isolated skeletal remains of anatomically modern humans from the Upper Palaeolithic of Central Europe

Vol.15,No.1(2024)
Anthropologia integra

Abstract

This research focuses on isolated skeletal remains of anatomically modern humans (AMH) dated to the Upper Palaeolithic (UP) in Central Europe. The review of AMH remains aims to interpret the circumstances of their discovery at paleoanthropological sites located in Germany, Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. These AMH remains are often isolated and, in some cases, highly fragmented, making it challenging to discern the processes responsible for their isolated status. Common interpretations of these findings point to both biotic and abiotic factors, including geological processes, carnivore activities, and even human actions. Notably, the diaphysis fragments of the limbs are the most numerous among AMH remains. However, when it comes to bone density and morphology, craniodental elements have a higher likelihood of preservation.


Keywords:
Funeral rites; taphonomy; human body manipulation; Aurignacian; Gravettian; Magdalenian; fragmentation
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