Burying Children and Infants at Kadruka 23: New Insights into Juvenile Identity and Disposal of the Dead in the Nubian Neolithic

Description

Kadruka 23 is a relatively undisturbed funerary mound located in the Northern State of the Sudan, dating to the fifth millennium, also known as the Nubian Middle Neolithic. Begun in 2014, the excavations at the site have already brought to light nearly 40 burials, a majority of which belongs to juvenile subjects. A concentration and seemingly codified treatment of very young individuals was immediately remarked upon. With the knowledge that such practices have been observed elsewhere, this hypothesis about differential treatment based on age, is one we wish to develop in further detail. The demarcation of the very young deceased is underscored by several phenomena. We have identified a preferential placement within the cemetery (at the top of the mound), the association of mortuary goods not found with older individuals (bead waistbands, ceramic and shell spoons, etc.), consistent placement of ceramics (slightly above the burial level), as well as a variety of burial positions (not seen in the significantly more codified disposal of the older deceased). Our aim is to improve comprehension of the identity of the young dead, and their place in society before and after death.

Abstract

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