Funeral customs have been a part of human history preceding which of the following developments?

Funeral customs have been integral to human societies and can be traced back to prehistoric times, well before the establishment of formal governments. The practice of honoring the deceased, which includes rituals and ceremonies, reflects profound cultural and spiritual beliefs and has been observed in various forms across different civilizations throughout history.

While the formation of governments is a significant development in human society, it typically arose later as communities grew in complexity and social structures became more organized. In contrast, the origins of funeral customs likely predate these societal structures as they address fundamental human experiences and emotions related to death and the need for social cohesion.

The crafting of tools, development of art, and building of shelters are all indicative of the early stages of human civilization and creativity. Artifacts, such as burial mounds and grave goods, suggest that funeral practices were inherent to human life even when societies were still primarily focused on survival and rudimentary forms of organization. Thus, understanding this context highlights the deep-rooted nature of funerary practices, connecting them to the very foundation of human existence, which predates the establishment of structured governance.