In the heart of the Apulia region, the remains of at least 15 individuals were found in a ceremonial setting. This carefully preserved and manipulated find reveals rituals that connected Neolithic communities with their ancestors in unique symbolic ways. What role did these skulls play in the daily life of these societies?
A deposit of skulls with centuries of history
The remains, found in the so-called Structure Q of Masseria Candelaro, were accumulated over about 200 years, spanning six or eight generations. Radiocarbon analysis indicates that the individuals belonged to local communities, and their skulls were manipulated and used ritualistically before finally being buried.
Jess Thompson, author of the study, notes that the skulls were treated as active ritual objects, with signs of wear suggesting their use in ceremonies or public displays. Unlike simple burials, this deposit reflects a complex symbolic system that marked the life of Neolithic communities.
Skulls: more than just remains
In many Neolithic cultures, human remains were considered materials loaded with spiritual and political power. In this case, the skulls not only represented the dead, but were symbols of connection with the past and ancestors. Their manipulation could have legitimized lineages or reinforced collective memory.
Finds at nearby sites, such as Scaloria Cave, confirm that funerary and ritual practices included the manipulation of human remains. However, the number of skulls and the duration of the ritual at Masseria Candelaro stand out as unique.
The end of a ritual cycle
Towards the end of Structure Q’s use, the skulls were arranged in a final layer and covered with earth, marking the closing of a ritual cycle. This “final dismissal” could symbolize a change in social practices or the abandonment of a tradition.
The exact meaning of these ceremonies remains a mystery, but their impact on the culture of these communities is undeniable. The skulls, more than relics, were a tool to keep ties with ancestors alive and reinforce community identity.
