Evidence of World's Oldest Decapitation Discovered in Brazilian Cave

Researchers have uncovered the oldest known evidence of human decapitation in a rock shelter of Lapa do Santo in Brazil. Dated to 9,000 years ago, the remains reveal that ritualized decapitation was occurring for thousands of years.

The archaeological site contains evidence of human occupation dating back to about 12,000 years ago. In 2007, researchers found fragments of a buried body, Burial 26, including a cranium, jaw, the first six cervical vertebrae, and two severed hands. The remains were dated to 9,000 years ago with the help of using accelerator mass spectrometry.

It's likely that the person that the scientists discovered was a local member of the group of people living there at the time. In addition, the presentation of the remains suggests that this was a ritualized decapitation instead of trophy taking. If this is the case, these remains may demonstrate sophisticated mortuary rituals among hunter-gatherers in the Americas during this time period. In fact, this may be the oldest case of decapitation found in the New World.

The findings reveal a bit more about the culture of humans during this time period. In addition, it leads to a re-evaluation of previous interpretations of the practice of decapitation, particularly with regards to its origin and geographic dispersion.

The findings are published in the journal PLOS One.

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