An analysis of fossil remains has revealed that the Neanderthals from the French region of Poitou-Charentes mutilated the bodies of adults and children shortly after death.

After the researchers examined the fossil remains of two Neanderthals adults and a child found at the Marillac site, they found that they cut, beat and fractured the bones of their recently deceased companions.

According to scientists, these mutilations have been observed at other Neanderthal sites but scientists still do not know whether they did this for food or ceremony.

Main author of the study, Maria Dolores Garralda, professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain said, "Some Neanderthal groups cut and tore apart child or adult corpses shortly after death (perimortem) using specific instruments".

Scientists compared the remains of other Neanderthals and modern humans from Marillac site in France, they not only confirmed the strength and rounded form of Neanderthal bones, but also identified that mutilations made on the three bones very shortly after the individual's death.

The authors are not aware why they used to do this. They believe that it might be part of their rituals, which still continue in certain parts of the world in the 21st century. They also think that they might have done it r for food, gastronomic cannibalism.

In addition to these manipulations, other bones found at the site also exhibited signs of gnawing or digestion by animals. The research team concluded that these markings and deformations are clearly distinguishable from those studied in the three Neanderthal diaphysis.

Ever since the Marillac site in France was unearthed, the discovery of fossil remains of animals, humans and Mousterian tools has enabled it to be identified as a hunting area for Neanderthals.