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Image Credit: Alirezazadeh and Bahranipoor 2026
Rare Prehistoric Fetal Burials in Iran Reveal Diverse Mortuary Practices
Two exceptionally well-preserved fetal burials dating to the mid–5th millennium BC have been documented at the Chaparabad site in northwestern Iran, offering new insights into the diversity of prehistoric burial practices in Southwest Asia. Although the burials were discovered only a few metres apart and belong to the same chronological context, they display notably different mortuary treatments.
The two burials, identified as L522.1 and L815.1, were uncovered during excavations conducted between 2021 and 2023 within an architectural area of the site. Both fetuses were interred inside ceramic vessels associated with the Dalma culture, dated to the early 5th millennium BC. One burial was located in a space interpreted as a kitchen, while the other was found in a probable storage area.
Analysis shows that the vessels had previously been used in everyday domestic activities, suggesting that household objects were repurposed for burial. Osteological examination indicates that both fetuses died at a similar stage of development, between 36 and 38 weeks of gestation. No evidence of fatal trauma was identified, and a minor skull fracture observed on one individual is attributed to soil pressure after burial.
Despite these similarities, the funerary treatments differed. One burial was accompanied by grave goods, including animal remains and a worked stone, while the other contained no associated offerings. This contrast reflects broader patterns observed across the region during the Chalcolithic period, where infant and fetal burials show considerable variation in vessel types, placement, and accompanying objects.
The findings highlight that even within the same community and time frame, burial practices were not uniform. While the precise reasons for these differences remain unknown, the discovery emphasizes the cultural significance attributed to fetal individuals in prehistoric societies and the complexity of mortuary traditions during the 5th millennium BC. Ongoing scientific analyses may provide further context in the future.
Published on: 01-02-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
Source: Phys.org