An analysis of fossil remains has suggested that the Neanderthals manipulated the bodies of adults and children shortly after death.
Neanderthals from the French region of Poitou-Charentes cut, beat and fractured the bones of their recently deceased companions, as revealed by the fossil remains of two adults and a child found at the Marillac site.
These manipulations have been observed at other Neanderthal sites but scientists still do not know whether they did this for food or ceremony.
"Some Neanderthal groups cut and tore apart child or adult corpses shortly after death (perimortem) using specific instruments," said Maria Dolores Garralda, professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, and the main author of the study.
When compared to the remains of other Neanderthals and modern humans from Marillac site in France, the scientists confirmed not only the strength and rounded form of Neanderthal bones but also identified on the three bones manipulations made very shortly after the individuals' death.
The team of scientists does not know why they did this.
"They might have been rituals - still in the 21st century these continue in certain parts of the world - or for food - gastronomic cannibalism or due to need," the authors wrote.
In addition to these manipulations carried out by members of the group, other bones found at the Marillac site, also fragmented, exhibit signs of gnawing or digestion by animals.
"These markings and deformations are clearly distinguishable from those studied in the three Neanderthal diaphysis," the expert concluded.
Since the Marillac site in France was unearthed, the discovery of fossil remains of animals, humans and Mousterian tools has enabled the site to be identified as a hunting area for Neanderthals.
But the most surprising thing about the site is the presence of a large quantity of bone remains of these hominids, many of which are yet to be analysed.
The study was published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology.
