Term Paper

Reading Response

In the past several years, anthropological studies have finally produced strong evidence of prehistoric cannibalism. For many years anthropologist could never confirm a cannibalism case because of unreliable evidence and this prevented scientist from delving deeper into the topic of prehistoric cannibalism. This issue is significant because it explains an aspect of human history and our evolution process, so we can better understand where we come from.

Previous literature on the topic has stressed high standards for new evidence in order to distinguish cannibalism from other mortuary practices. Preceding research has confirmed the key to recognizing cannibalism patterns is to compare human remains with animal bones.

Now that anthropologist have a stable technique of identifying evidence of cannibalism, the new research question is why did it occur. Anthropologist now want to find out what factors caused cannibalism such as simply survival instincts, religious beliefs, or cultural motivations.

Anthropologist have set the standard for recognizing ancient cannibalism very high. An instance of cannibalism is confirmed when the processing patterns seen on human remains match those seen on the bones of other animals consumed for food.

Due to this new method for identifying prehistoric cannibalism scientist scientist were able to better evaluate new and old reported instances. The research question was answered because scientist were able to reevaluate previous evidence and apply it to recent instances using the comparison method they developed.

A general conclusion that can be drawn from this study is prehistoric cannibalism existed. A specific conclusion is comparing the processing patterns of animal remains consumed for food with human remans can be used to distinguish cannibalism from other mortuary practices.

This research raises the question of why cannibalism took place in prehistoric societies. An implication for future research is what factors were involved in promoting cannibalism in societies.

Overall the article conformed nicely to the hourglass structure and I thought no sections were underdeveloped. The methods and results section of the hourglass structure was very well-developed. The article throughly explained the new technique for identifying cannibalism in human remans and giving