An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s6.41

v1.c9.s6.41

No burials of the Early Phase have been met with. In the Late Phase several human and animal burials have been found, the latter being a unique feature of the Neolithic culture of this region. The human burials are in oval-shaped pits dug usually into the floors of residences and are narrow at the top and broad at the bottom. Pits for a normal adult vary between 1.16 to 1.98 m in diameter with a depth of more than 3 m. The sides of the pits are plastered with lime. The filling inside the pits is mostly ash, stone pieces and potsherds. Both primary or complete inhumations and secondary or selected post-excarnation disarticulated burials have been noticed. The orientation of the body was n.-e. to s.-w. initially but later on e.-w., particularly in the case of a child with its head towards w. Articulated interments of the body are seen laid to rest mostly in a crouching or embryonic position, an exception being an adult inhumation in an extended supine position with its head towards s.-w. One of the skeletons in the crouching position is completely smeared with red ochre. The intact articulated condition of the skeleton warrants the conclusion that the pit was opened afresh after the flesh had decomposed for the ritual painting of the red ochre. Trepanning [12.4], seven finished and four unfinished holes, have been noticed on the *norma lateralis* position on the parietal bone between the *bregma* and *lamoda* of one skull. In one case five carnelian barrel beads have been found in the neck region.