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Ancient proteins hint at all-female Homo naledi burial site in Rising Star cave system

Researchers analyzed dental proteins from 20 Homo naledi fossils found in South Africa's Rising Star cave system. The study found no male markers among the specimens. This suggests the site may be a sex-specific burial ground.

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First-ever ancient protein analysis of Homo naledi teeth reveals an absence of male markers.

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  1. Protein Analysis Suggests All-Female Homo naledi Burial Site

    Researchers analyzed dental proteins from 20 Homo naledi fossils found in South Africa's Rising Star cave system. The study found no male markers among the specimens. This suggests the site may be a sex-specific burial ground.

    What's confirmed:

    • Researchers analyzed the dental remains of 20 Homo naledi individuals.
    • The study was published in the journal Cell.
    • Analysis of dental enamel proteins revealed an absence of male markers.
    • Homo naledi fossils were discovered in the Rising Star cave system in 2013.
    • All 20 skeletons analyzed in the cave are female.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Homo naledi may have had complex death rituals and funky genes.
    • The site represents the first known example of a sex-specific burial site by a non-Homo sapiens species.
    confidence 95%