Archaeologists in Mexico have made a fascinating discovery: a 1,600-year-old skeleton of a woman with an intentionally deformed elongated skull and mineral-encrusted teeth. This discovery indicates their elite status within their society.
The skeleton, known as The Woman of Tlailotlacan, was found among the ancient remains of Teotihuacan, a pre-Hispanic civilization located north of Mexico City. Its cranial deformation and pyrite-coated teeth are intriguing, suggesting intentional physical modifications.
The practice of cranial deformation, achieved by binding the head during childhood, was common in Mesoamerica. It may have served as a symbol of social status. The woman’s serpentine false dentures further indicate her association with the ancient city.
While the specific methods used to achieve these modifications remain unclear, the use of advanced dental techniques and possible herbal anesthetics is suspected. However, the findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, pending the completion of the team’s report.
This discovery adds to the growing body of intriguing archaeological finds from around the world. From the ‘hobbit’ bones in Indonesia to the skull bone of Buddha in China, archaeologists continue to unearth captivating remnants of our ancient past. Stay tuned for more exciting discoveries in the field of archaeology.