Idk about this specific thing, but this is much simpler than it sounds if it operates like other anthropology. Ritualistic means intentional, and supernatural means symbolically meaningful. In other words, this is less of a specific claim and more of an "idk but they were clearly up to something".
I now understand what you're saying, but the way it's phrased in the article makes it seem like they need to know where it came from for ritualistic and supernatural reasons. Like there are rituals the anthropologists have to perform, not that they might have ritualistic use in the past.
You are not wrong. The Guardian made an absolute hash of it. I recommend that you read the original document which says this: “However, to fully understand and appreciate these artifacts, it's crucial to know the exact location where they were found. The context of such discoveries helps archaeologists piece together ancient settlement patterns and cultural practices. For instance, hoards or collections of objects were often deliberately placed in specific locations for reasons that could range from ritualistic to supernatural.”
> I interpret supernatural to mean religious in this context.
TBH I have no clue what the word "religious" means outside of abrahamic faiths. Might as well be a meaningless word. Anyway, the supernatural certainly encompasses many aspects of religion without implying anything about aliens.
