New Evidence of Prone Burial Position from Kumitir Site, Mojokerto, East Java, Indonesia

Toetik Koesbardiati1*, Delta Bayu Murti2, Endah Budi Haryani3, Muhamad Ichwan3, and Eko Julianto4

This study aims to describe the discovery of human burials from the Kumitir Site, Jatirejo, Mojokerto,East Java, Indonesia. The Kumitir Site is a relic of the Majapahit Kingdom (1293-1527) and is thought to have been part of the palace and capital of the kingdom. Four phases of research conducted at the site have yielded various important data, one of which is the discovery of human burials. These burial findings are significant because, within the context of the classical Hindu-Buddhist period in Indonesia, this type of data is extremely rare. Furthermore, it is indicated that the human remains were placed in a prone position. Based on this, we analysed the burial remains at the Kumitir Site using an archaeotanatological approach to determine burial type, pattern, and architecture. We collected burial data in situ, accompanied by photographic documentation. The analysis indicates that the burials at the Kumitir Site are of the primary burial based on the anatomical connections of the skeleton and the associated labile joints, such as the acetabulofemoral joint, as well as the tarsal and metatarsal joints. The prone position found is the original position of the corpse based on the temporomandibular joint and cervical vertebrae, which are still anatomically connected. Skeletal elements from the labile joints, which are still anatomically connected, also indicate that the burial architecture was filled space. Regarding the prone position, possible reasons that have been gathered include certain beliefs (sects), slavery, and disease.