The Oldest Human Burial in Africa Essay

History plays an essential role in explaining the records of past events and how the current societies have developed. Pre-history is the period when past events were not recorded in writing. The study of historic discoveries is significant in tracing back aspects of different cultures practiced by people today. It helps us understand human beings’ evolution path from their ancestors to the modern world. The recent discovery about pre-history is uncovering the oldest human burial in Africa. This paper will discuss who, what, when, where, and how the research was conducted significance of the discovery today.

Michael Petraglia and other researchers discovered the remains of a three-year-old child carefully buried in the Panga ya Saidi cave in Kenya’s tropical uplands of the coastal plains ten miles from the shore in 2013. The remains are dated to have been buried 80000 years ago (Sample, 2021). The archaeologists discovered the degraded and delicate bones by excavating the floor of the overhang mouth of Panga ya Saidi cave in Kenya. Petraglia took materials excavated to National Museum in Nairobi and on to a specialist lab in Spain, where the materials were imaged with 3D X-ray equipment. X-ray results showed small teeth and tools that resembled those of Homo sapiens. Historical and archaeological studies are important in creating and preserving information for future generations. For instance, people understand their migration routes up to the current geographical regions and places they live in today. “Burying the dead is cross significant in different cultures whereby it shows emotional connection, unlike other species.” (Sample, 2021). This discovery is significant in showcasing how human beings have inherited their culture gradually from ancient man up to modern society, such as burying the date.

History is important in today’s life and the entire society. It preserves information from one generation to another for future reference. Archaeological discoveries play a significant role in linking human beings’ cultures today and in the past. Many of the practices humans today have gradually inherited from their ancestors. Thus, the discovery of the oldest burial in Africa signifies that Africans have impressed their cultural practices from the past.

Reference

Sample, I. (2021). Archaeologists uncover the oldest human burial in Africa. The Guardian. Web.