Abrigo do Lagar Velho, Archaeological site in Lapedo Valley, Portugal
Abrigo do Lagar Velho is a rock shelter in Lapedo Valley that contains multiple layers of Paleolithic artifacts and deposits stacked one above another. The accumulated sediment layers span approximately 30,000 years and document a long sequence of human activity.
Researchers discovered the site in 1998 and unearthed a complete skeleton of a young child dated to about 24,500 years ago. The discovery came from a period when different human populations shared the European landscape.
The site reveals burial rituals through shell ornaments, red ochre application, and animal bone pendants found with the skeletal remains. These objects show how people treated their dead with care and intention.
Visitors should wear sturdy footwear when exploring the rock shelter and its surroundings, as the terrain is uneven and rocky. The site is more accessible during dry weather and warmer months.
The child's skeletal features show a mix of characteristics found in both Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans, suggesting possible interbreeding. This rare combination offers clues about how different human lineages interacted during overlapping periods.
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