Shanidar et ses fleurs? Reflections on the palynology of the Neanderthal ‘Flower Burial’ hypothesis
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Pollen clumps associated with the skeleton of the Shanidar 4 Neanderthal were interpreted by the excavator as evidence for a purposeful burial with flowers. This was one of several findings from Shanidar Cave that helped to shape modern perceptions of Neanderthals as sharing empathic characteristics with Middle Palaeolithic Homo sapiens (modern humans). Here the available evidence is reviewed critically from a palynological viewpoint. It seems likely that at least some of the pollen clumps were emplaced by nesting solitary bees, though other mechanisms may also have been involved. Shanidar 4 remains of notable importance, however, in being part of a tight cluster of remarkably complete and deliberately emplaced Neanderthal skeletal remains.
Language: French
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,920
Funders: Smithsonian Institution, John Templeton Foundation, Wenner-Gren Foundation, Society of Antiquaries of London, Rust Family Foundation, Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, European Commission, Liverpool John Moores University, National Museum of Natural History, Natural Environment Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W4386225839