Archaeologists and linguists are exploring the idea of assigning personal names to Stone Age skeletons and mummies. Currently, these remains are identified by numbers, but researchers believe that naming them adds a human touch. A recent survey revealed mixed opinions, with some favoring the current system, while others support the idea of naming. The study proposes a new naming system based on combining site names with German name endings, creating unique and more respectful names. This innovative approach aims to humanize ancient remains while respecting their significance. Archaeology Linguistics
Innovative Naming System
Archaeologists and linguists report for the first time that Stone Age people on the Iberian Peninsula may have created sign language to supplement speech, and writing in Human Evolution of December 2019. The ancient clades these fossils have been classified into might soon have names, replacing the numbers that traditionally label them. WEAR researchers have been working toward combining site names with Germanized name endings to create more respectful and humanizing names for these figures from history. This new system feels like a step in the right direction towards recognizing these individuals who once were humans, making an almost familial connection with our ancestors.
Public Opinion and Controversy
Divided public opinion for naming Stone Age remains The survey results on what we should call Stone Age remains headline! Although the current naming system was favored by some of the propositionnaires, many others proposed that personal names be assigned to these ancient individuals. The naming schema was becoming a little complex, with Taylor and Co. trying to bridge the gap between traditional and modern, adopting brand new monikers using site names and Teutonic endings. But pet-like names like ‘Hauni’ were also seen as controversial based on respect and appropriateness. The debate over how to name ancient remains lingers on, and with it ongoing reflection on our relationship to our past.
Implications and Future Directions
It pretends to be a Stone Age skeleton with a name, or mummy, which finally humanizes them. This new naming system not only personalizes these historical figures but also invites us to look deeper into our common humanity in history. Not only does the debate over naming ancient remains provide important guidance to archaeologists and linguists who are attempting to innovate their field, but it could also demonstrate a significant approach toward how we think and engage our past. And getting from just calling Stone Age skeletons and mummies things like “the witch” to giving them actual names (even re-wilding them some) is a process of us learning much more about what our history collectively is, who each person was, and giving to the river.
