Probably to control the stench--Burmese are supposed to place stone melons underneath the corpse.

People also ask

What is the flower burial hypothesis?

Solecki (1971: 249–250; Solecki, 1975, Solecki, 1977) suggested that the body of the Neanderthal was placed on a bed of these flowers, possibly for medical reasons, and/or as a mark of affection and/or respect. The hypothesis, although accepted quite widely and very influential, has been debated over many years. Shanidar et ses fleurs? Reflections on the palynology of the Neanderthal ... ScienceDirect.com

https://www.sciencedirect.com › science › article › pii