Cremation pyre in Africa thought to be world’s oldest containing adult remains

The field crew at the site of the pyre in a rock shelter at the foot of Mount Hora in northern Malawi. Photograph: Jessica Thompson

A cremation pyre built about 9,500 years ago has been discovered in Africa, offering a fresh glimpse into the complexity of ancient hunter-gatherer communities.

Researchers say the pyre, discovered in a rock shelter at the foot of Mount Hora in northern Malawi, is thought to be the oldest in the world to contain adult remains, the oldest confirmed intentional cremation in Africa, and the first pyre to be associated with African hunter-gatherers.