Exercise 1

Anthropology News
<Name of Student>
<University>
Anthropology News
From the Crimean cave site known as Kiik-Koba, scientists were able to utilize a flint flake to establish an interpretive framework that lets researchers classify both the patterns and structure of engraved cortexes (Public Library of Science, 2018). Such artifacts are essential tools for discovering the history of cognition and culture. Much of the stone remains from this research site date back nearly 35,000 years and are typically correlated with Neanderthal remains (Public Library of Science, 2018). The scientists examined the grooved lines of the flake’s cortex and discovered that the incisions were, in fact, deliberate engravings that required attention to detail as well as sophisticated motor skills. It was hypothesized that the engravings were meant for the purposes of communication or symbolism (Public Library of Science, 2018). This would suggest a great deal about the culture of the Neanderthals in ancient times which is interesting.
In Tehran, a mummy colored in mud was discovered near the shrine of Shah Abdol Azim, an ancient Shiite saint, and a place where both noblemen and kings were historically laid to rest (Erdbrink, 2018). This surprised the excavator working nearby due to the fact that Iran is not known for such preparation of the deceased. After being brought in for questioning, the discovery quickly drew the attention of the mainstream media and became a popular point for rallying against the clerical government of the state with much of the population hailing the mummy with the phrase “Long live Reza Shah!” (Erdbrink, 2018).

Despite the lack of official verification from the local authorities, the majority of Iranians took the evidence as sufficient proof due to the historical context. When Reza Shah’s original mausoleum was torn down by the cleric known as Sadegh Khalkhali, the body of Shah was lost (Erdbrink, 2018). However, there is historical proof that while the body was mummified in Egypt, it was returned to Iran (Erdbrink, 2018). The fact that the authorities refused to verify the identity of the body by opening the cloths wrapped around it also hints at the possibility that it was the saint himself. Such deception is interesting as the identity would impose special consequences.
Outside of the province of Kigali (Rwanda’s capital) nearly 25 years after the mass genocide that took place in the country, as many as 4 mass graves were discovered (Cornish, 2018). One surviving family member, France Mukantagazwa, lost many of her relatives during that time period and expressed her belief that their bodies could be encased in the graves. The article outlines the process in which forensic anthropologists attempt to identify the significantly decayed corpses. Typically, the process to confirm requires a combination of fingerprints, DNA, and/or dental records (Cornish, 2018). What’s fascinating in this case is given the state of decay, such traditional methods for identification are nearly impossible. Therefore, many of the surviving family members are working with the forensic anthropologists by uncovering various articles of clothing that their deceased relatives wore as well as help uncover identification cards (Cornish, 2018).
Although the aforementioned articles pose great potential for a research paper, I am more interested in composing an analysis of cultures that believed in human sacrifices. This barbaric behavior has been a common practice of numerous historical civilizations. Through rituals, victims were murdered in a manner that was designed to appease, spirits, deceased, gods, or as an offering to continue to serve a master in the next life (Historical Honey, 2014). In several tribal societies, practices which were closely related included headhunting and cannibalism (Historical Honey, 2014). I am interested in learning about how such behavior came about and its role in the evolution of cultural anthropology.
References
Cornish, A. (2018, May 2). In Rwandan Mass Graves, There Are Few Ways To Identify The Dead. Clothing Is One. Retrieved May 9, 2018, from https://www.npr.org/2018/05/02/607781596/in-rwandan-mass-graves-clothing-is-one-of-the-only-ways-to-identify-dead
Erdbrink, T. (2018, May 3). A Mummy Turned Up in Iran. Could It Be the Former Shah? Retrieved May 9, 2018, from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/03/world/middleeast/iran-mummy-reza-shah-pahlavi.html?rref=collection/timestopic/Archaeology andAnthropology&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=collection
Historical Honey. (2014, August 5). 8 Ancient Cultures That Practiced Ritual Human Sacrifice. Retrieved May 9, 2018, from http://historicalhoney.com/8-ancient-cultures-practiced-ritual-human-sacrifice/
Public Library of Science. (2018, May 2). Engraved Crimean stone artifact may demonstrateNeanderthal symbolism. Retrieved May 9, 2018, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180502174928.htm