Lapa do Santo

Evidence of complex and gruesome funeral rites found in the Lapa do Santo cave in Brazil have shocked researchers yet again. The researchers have discovered evidence of the mutilation of corpses, including the removal of flesh, muscles, and teeth, exposure to fire, and possible cannibalism. This is added to a previous discovery of a decapitated skull found at the site last year. According to the news agent Seeker, the 9,500-year-old remains are the oldest examples of complex funeral rituals in the area. "This finding testifies that a great cultural diversity was already present in South America already 10,000 years ago," one of the lead researchers, André Strauss, told Discovery News. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"29536","attributes":{"alt":"A skull showing burn marks and intentional removal of teeth.","class":"media-image","height":"343","style":"width