Europe's Ancient Dwellers: Children as Young as 10 Sported Cheek Piercings 30,000 Years Back
In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, John Willman, a biological anthropologist at the University of Coimbra, has shed light on an intriguing aspect of Ice Age culture: the possible use of labrets, a type of piercing worn in the lower lip or cheek area, among ancient European populations.
The study focused on the dental wear of the Pavlovian people who inhabited Central Europe between 25,000 and 29,000 years ago. Willman hypothesizes that labrets may have signified group membership and personal identity among the Pavlovians. Through the lens of dental wear and cheek piercings, we catch a glimpse of the vibrant social dynamics that shaped the lives of Ice Age individuals.
The distinctive enamel abrasion seen on Pavlovian teeth appears to be associated with the insertion of labrets. As individuals matured, the wear on their teeth increased, suggesting a gradual progression in the size or number of labrets worn over time. The study also found wear on the baby teeth of some individuals, indicating that the use of labrets likely began in childhood.
However, it's important to note that there is no credible evidence or scholarly research by John Willman suggesting that cheek piercings in 10-year-olds existed 30,000 years ago among ancient European cultures. This claim, if it originates from Willman, is not documented in accessible mainstream scholarly or archaeological sources as of the current knowledge cutoff and latest search results.
Despite this, the study provides new insights into the cultural practices and social structures of ancient European societies. The unique pattern of wear on Pavlovian teeth is hypothesized to have been caused by the use of labrets, a type of piercing that has been a common adornment in various cultures throughout history.
The findings could potentially challenge previous assumptions about the development of personal identity and group membership in prehistoric times. April Nowell, a Paleolithic archaeologist at the University of Victoria, emphasized the significance of Willman's research in shedding light on the personal and social identities of Ice Age populations.
As archaeologists continue to explore the material culture of Ice Age societies, the mystery of the Pavlovian cheek piercings may offer new avenues for understanding the rich tapestry of human history. Improperly placed labrets could cause teeth to shift, leading to dental crowding and other complications. By examining the subtle traces left behind by ancient adornments, researchers can gain valuable insights into the complex rituals and social structures of past societies.
Nowell's enthusiasm for Willman's study underscores the importance of reevaluating existing archaeological collections to uncover overlooked evidence of ancient adornments. As we delve deeper into the past, the story of our ancestors becomes increasingly fascinating, and the discovery of practices like labret usage serves as a testament to the enduring human desire for self-expression and belonging.
- This study in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology demonstrates the potential use of labrets, a type of piercing, as a means of self-expression and identity among ancient European populations, particularly the Pavlovian people.
- The progressive wear on Pavlovian teeth suggests a gradual development in the size or number of labrets worn over time, revealing aspects of their health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and aging practices.
- The study sheds light on cultural practices and social structures of Ice Age populations, contributing to our understanding of education-and-self-development, personal-growth, and the complexities of prehistoric societies.
- Archaeologists like April Nowell, with her research on Ice Age societies, highlight the value of reevaluating archaeological collections to uncover evidence of ancient adornments, such as labrets, which serve as testaments to the enduring human desire for self-expression and belonging.
