Archaeologists Excavated a Giant Stone Jar And Found a Grim Surprise
ScienceAlert • • world
Key Points:
- Archaeologists excavated a giant stone jar on Laos's Xiangkhoang Plateau, uncovering densely packed human bones from an estimated 37 individuals dating between 890 and 1160 CE, indicating the jars were used for funerary purposes over centuries.
- The jar likely served as a site for secondary interment, where remains were moved after initial decomposition elsewhere, suggesting complex, multi-stage mortuary rituals possibly involving family or extended family groups.
- Alongside bones, grave goods such as glass beads, pottery shards, a bell, and an iron knife were found, with the beads traced to South India and Mesopotamia, revealing previously unknown ancient trade connections.
- The discovery sheds light on the function of the mysterious Plain of Jars, long hindered by unexploded cluster bombs, and offers valuable insights into the cultural and social dynamics of ancient Laos.
- Ongoing analyses of the bones aim to reveal more about the individuals' identities, lifestyles, and relationships, potentially confirming the site as a multi-generational burial ground.