Groundbreaking discovery of 29,000-year-old human skeleton in remote cave
In a historic find set to transform our knowledge of the past, archaeologists in Thailand have dug up the oldest human skeleton ever discovered in the country, pushing back the timeline for human habitation in the area by thousands of years. The remains of a young child, endearingly dubbed "Pangpond" after a popular Thai cartoon character, were found in an isolated cave within the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
The Fine Arts Department (FAD) has made the remarkable announcement that the juvenile's interment, located in Din Cave – already renowned for its ancient rock paintings – dates back over 29,000 years. This revelation upends prior conceptions of Thailand's human history, providing an extraordinary window into the existence of prehistoric populations during the late Pleistocene epoch.
"The careful burial and the associated artifacts provide invaluable insights into the rituals and daily lives of these ancient inhabitants.", reports the Daily Star.
"The body was carefully placed and surrounded by stones, indicating a level of respect and care in the burial process," explained a FAD archaeologist. "The positioning of the limbs, with the toes touching, suggests the body may have been wrapped or tied before burial."
The youngster's remains were discovered laid out flat on their back, with the head pointing southwest, indicating a purposeful and ceremonial interment.
Initial examination suggests the child was aged between 6 and 8 when they died.
By studying soil samples and fossils from the upper strata, researchers reckon the skeleton dates back more than 29,000 years, firmly positioning it in the late Pleistocene era.
This find's importance reaches far beyond Thailand's frontiers.
Din Cave, perched 125 metres above sea level, has captivated archaeologists since prehistoric cave art was uncovered there in 1996.
"The Din Cave site offers a unique window into the past, documenting the evolution of human societies over thousands of years," said a spokesperson from the FAD.
"Further research and analysis will undoubtedly shed more light on the lives of these ancient people and their contributions to the region's rich history."
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