An “Invisible” Child—A Case of a Child With Anthropogenic Modification Marks and Pathological Conditions in Early Neolithic China

Abstract

In this preliminary study, we present a unique and rare case of a child with anthropogenic modification marks on his/her skeletal remains and pathological conditions that may be related to malnutrition. This child's remains were discovered at the Jiahu site. It is a relatively early Neolithic site located in northern China dated to circa 7000–5000 bc. The child was estimated to be around 8–10 years old. His/her remains were placed in a concealed way with grave goods, including a bone flute. The burial where the child was uncovered is in close proximity to two unique archeological features, including a large multiple commingled burial and a pit containing turtle shell rattles and a fork-shaped bone tool. All these objects and bone flutes are considered as ritual paraphernalia by many scholars. Six groups of anthropogenic modification marks are documented on the child's left femur and both tibiae. Four of the groups of marks are located close to joints and the other two are on the shafts. Five groups of the thin, straight, and shallow grooves are at a transverse angle, which suggests possible excarnation actions. The context along with the marks and the child's pathological condition is indicative of a ritual setting or a ritual practitioners' mortuary practices that may have been associated with the child's underlying diseases or preparation for making bone tools, even though the intentions behind such unique mortuary practices may never be conclusive.