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The Neandertal infant (Roc
de Marsal 1), was discovered in 1961. Although it was found in Bed I,
according to observations taken at the time of excavation, it was
originally thought to have been placed in a pit dug from Bed V.
The individual was about 2-3 years old at death and was placed face down,
on its right side, and in spite of the fact that the legs were bent
backward, was found more or less in anatomical connection.
The interpretation that this was an intentional burial, however, is not proven. Much of the skeleton was covered in a
blackish sediment, part of the cranium appeared to be in the overlying
layer composed of yellowish decomposed limestone. While the skeleton
appeared to be in a pit, there are many natural dips and channels
throughout the site and one of these may have contained the skeleton. As has recently been done with the Pech I child remains (Maureille
and Soressi 2000), it is well worth taking another look at the site to see
if more can be learned concerning the possibility of intentional vs.
natural deposition of the body, especially given the debate over the
implications of this for Neandertal behavior.
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