Final answer:
During the Neolithic period, 7000 BCE, inhabitants of Jericho created plastered human skulls, possibly for ancestor worship or as cultural memorials. The skulls symbolize the social and religious complexity of early human civilizations. Despite evidence across several sites, their true meaning remains unknown.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neolithic Jericho's Plastered Skulls
The Neolithic period, specifically around 7000 BCE, saw remarkable practices emerging in the ancient city of Jericho, located in modern-day Palestine. The inhabitants at the time, who are among the early farming communities of the world, partook in the ritualistic refashioning of human skulls. These plastered human skulls often included shells placed in the eye sockets and paint to imitate facial features like hair and mustaches, indicating some form of artistic rendering or reverence. They were discovered under the floors of homes, hinting at deep-seated cultural or religious beliefs possibly related to ancestor worship or remembrance.
Findings suggest that individuals from all walks of life – men, women, and children – were represented among these skulls. Despite the proliferation of this practice across various sites in the Neolithic Levant region such as Tell Ramad and 'Ain Ghazal, the true purpose and significance of these skulls remain a mystery due to the absence of written records. However, the intricate work and resources expended on these artefacts emphasize their importance to the Neolithic people, providing us with valuable insights into the ceremonial or cultural aspects of this era.
Jericho itself was an advanced settlement with a history of innovation, such as the stone wall and tower encircling the town, hinting at various possible functions ranging from defense to flood protection. The Neolithic people of Jericho thus displayed complex social structures and cultural practices that contributed significantly to the understanding of early human civilizations.