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Evidence suggests that ancient humans residing about 15,000 years ago in what is now Morocco may have engaged in ritualistic feasting on great bustards (Otis tarda) during burial practices. Recently unearthed butchered bones from these impressive birds in one of Africa’s oldest cemeteries point to their cultural significance at the time. Details of these findings are documented in a study published in the journal IBIS.
A Glimpse into the Taforalt Cave
Approximately 14,700 years ago, a community occupied Taforalt cave, also known as Grotte des Pigeons, a site that includes the remains of over 30 ancient individuals. This era saw mammoths still roaming the northern grasslands, while domestication of sheep was still centuries away. This transition from a semi-nomadic to a more sedentary lifestyle provides vital context for understanding their societal structure and practices.
The unique environmental conditions of the cave aided in the preservation of bones, tools, and a diverse array of biological remnants. Such evidence has led researchers to reconstruct aspects of the daily lives and cultural practices of these early humans. Previous studies indicated their use of fire to prepare meals, as well as the consumption of local plants like Ephedra, alongside other staples like juniper and acorns.
[ Related: Butchered skulls point to Europe’s Ice Age cannibals. ]
The latest evidence suggests that these ancient people may have included the great bustard in their funerary rituals. As one of the heaviest flying birds, with males weighing up to roughly 44 pounds, bustards were once prevalent across Europe and parts of North Africa. The remains found in the cave signal a long-standing relationship between these birds and human communities on the continent.
Joanne Cooper, a co-author of the study and senior curator at the Natural History Museum in London, remarked on the connection, stating, “There is a strong cultural association with the great bustard as they were included in burials and were also part of the meals. This likely formed a part of their funerary rites, indicating a type of ritualistic feasting.”
Feasting and Rituals
Butchered bones of various animals, including those of great bustards, have been discovered in high-status graves, one of which contained a breastbone showing cut marks indicative of preparation for consumption. Researchers believe this reflects a communal gathering akin to modern celebratory meals during key occasions.
The consistent discovery of great bustard bones further underscores their importance, as significant effort would have been required to capture and process these large birds, suggesting that their consumption was more than an ordinary dietary practice.
Bones of great bustards show signs of butchery, hinting at their role in ancient diets. CREDIT: © Natural History Museum.
Cooper added, “This signifies a collective behavior where special foods, requiring considerable effort to procure, are consumed within a meaningful context, particularly in relation to burials. This suggests that individuals had to travel from the mountainous regions surrounding the cave to the plains where these birds lived to catch them, highlighting the significance of this ritual.”
The Habitat and Status of Great Bustards
Great bustards predominantly inhabit open grasslands and farmlands, necessitating large, undisturbed areas to thrive. Their breeding season begins in March, during which males engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
Historically, great bustards have been vulnerable to hunting and habitat loss, leading to significant population declines. Today, the only surviving population in Africa is situated in Morocco, where they are classified as critically endangered. This population, although closely related to one in Spain, also exhibits unique genetic traits. Recent evidence suggests that their connection to North Africa may date back thousands of years.
Currently, around 70 great bustards inhabit two small regions in northwestern Morocco. The findings about their historical presence may promote more focused conservation efforts aimed at preserving this population from extinction.
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