When Early Cremation Tells a Story

The most basic cremation can now be surmised to date back thousands of years ago. Archeologists have recently discovered the bones of young children in some parts of Alaska. Because of this, clues as to the following have been raised:

1. Migration Patterns

At the time when these cremations were done, the experts have calculated that lower sea levels have allowed North-eastern Asians to cross over to Alaska and some parts of Russia and settle there. When the water had covered the seabeds at the time of the cremation, it was to have hindered the migration.

2. Way of Life

The most primitive of ovens take the form of a firepit, about a foot and a half deep. These firepits serve as the first  Alaskans’ crematories and cremation urns at the same time. The interesting part is the presence of bones of fishes and small animals underneath the human bones. It may seem to indicate that the holes have been dug to both cook their food and later take care of their loved ones’ remains.

3. Early Races

As the excavation continues today, interest have been sparked as to the races that first made it to North America. Cremation can indeed clarify details like this to add more pieces to our history.

 

Source: Newscientist.com