FunerarypracticesoftheIberomaurusianpopulationofTaforalt(Tafoughalt, Morocco,11e12,000BP):thecaseofGraveXII

The Iberomaurusian necropolis of Taforalt (Morocco,11-12000BP), excavated by Rocheinthe1950s, contains 28 multiple graves. The funerary practices of theTaforalt population have been th efocus of a previous work( Mariottietal.,2009). In the absence of the excavation records of the necropolis, these funerary practices were investigated through the analysis of the contents of each grave and the distribution of intentionally modified specimens (ochre-dyeing, cutmarks). Previous research has drawn particular attention to Grave XII ( containing three male adults and two juveniles), where manyi ntentionally modified specimens were identified. The present study focused specifically on the human remains recovered from Grave XII. Analysis of these remains has provided evidence of interventions, such as dismemberment and defleshing of the cadaver, and he use of ochre to colour the bones. Further more, the presence of lesions on two skulls suggests the possibility of intentional killing and cannibalism among the Taforalt population. This study further supports our previous impression of the complex and diversified funerary practices, characterising the social life of the Iberomaurusian population of Taforalt