‘Face powder’ helps identify ancient bones

Ancient burial ground: Researches carefully lifting the prehistoric remains from the excavation site in Gua Keledung Kecil in Nenggiri Valley, Gua Musang. — Bernama

GUA MUSANG: The 14,000-year-old human skeleton uncovered by archaeologists seven months ago in Gua Keledung Kecil at the Nenggiri Valley here is likely to be that of a female based on the discovery of hematite in the grave.

The mineral has a reddish powder that researchers believe was used as a face powder during the pre-Neolithic age.