Perak Man’s burial was nearly intact, with only the front part of the cranium missing. The skeleton belonged to a man who was approximately 157 centimeters tall and was between 30 to 35 years old at the time of death. He was found buried under 80 to 90 centimeters of earth, with his legs tucked in a fetal position, his right hand resting on his shoulder, and his left hand on his stomach. Intriguingly, the left lower arm was about two centimeters shorter than the right, and the left leg was one centimeter longer than the right. These physical characteristics, along with the position of the body, have led scientists to hypothesize that Perak Man may have had a congenital deformity and that his burial was conducted with some form of ritual, suggesting the presence of early religious beliefs.
Genetic analysis of the remains has revealed similarities between Perak Man and the Negrito people, who continue to live in the mountainous rainforests of northern Malaysia. The Negritos are believed to be among the earliest inhabitants of the region, long before the arrival of the Senoi, Malaysia’s first immigrant group, who are thought to have migrated from central and southern Thailand around 2500 BC. The discovery of Perak Man provides crucial insights into the prehistoric human migration and cultural practices in Southeast Asia, highlighting the deep historical connections between ancient populations and the indigenous groups that inhabit Malaysia today.
Discovery of Perak Man: Unveiling Malaysia's Ancient Past
