Young Individuals During Ice Age Wore Cheek Jewelry, Evidence Suggested by 29,000-Year-Old Teeth
In the heart of central Europe during the last Ice Age, human remains bearing peculiar tooth abrasions have puzzled archaeologists for decades. Enter John C. Willman, a scientist from the Laboratory of Prehistory (CIAS) at the University of Coimbra, who proposes an intriguing theory: Pavlovian people, a hunter-gatherer culture that thrived between 25,000 and 29,000 years ago, adorned their cheeks with labrets – a type of cheek piercing.
Published in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology on January 23, this groundbreaking study by Willman, a biological anthropologist, suggests labret use could explain the enigmatic dental wear noted in many Pavlovian remains. In his blog post, Willman admits to the peculiar tooth abrasions found on the chewing surfaces of these ancient individuals, which also have wear marks on the sides that face their inner cheeks – an effect strikingly similar to that of labret piercings.
Although not the first to propose the cheek piercing theory, Willman analyzed original tooth specimens and photos of remains not readily available for examination. In the end, he affirmed that labrets are the most likely source of the flat wear planes on their cheek surfaces. Additionally, over time, the piercing may have also impacted tooth arrangement – in contrast to orthodontic appliances like braces and retainers.
The unusual abrasions have been observed in the well-preserved teeth of most adult and adolescent Pavlovian individuals, even those as young as six to ten. This widespread pattern, according to Willman, may indicate a significant cultural practice perhaps analogous to a rite of passage. Interestingly, while labrets have not been discovered in Pavlovian burials, Willman proposes that they may have disintegrated over time or were not included in the burial process.
No matter how fascinating, the cheek piercing theory presents its limitations. Labrets have not been unearthed at Pavlovian gravesites, possibly because they may have eroded over the centuries or due to the habit of not burying the piercings with the deceased.
Despite these limitations, Willman emphasizes the labret hypothesis as an intriguing avenue of future research, stating, “the buccal facets represent a physical manifestation of widespread Pavlovian behavior(s) marking lived experience.”
If you are under the impression that cheek piercings are a modern trend, then think again!
The labret hypothesis suggests that the enigmatic dental wear in Pavlovian remains could be due to cheek piercings, a practice likely prevalent among this hunter-gatherer culture during the Ice Age. Published research supports this theory, pointing to flat wear planes on tooth surfaces that align with labret piercings.
Despite not finding labrets in Pavlovian burials, the widespread occurrence of these peculiar tooth abrasions hints at a significant cultural practice, possibly akin to a rite of passage. As a future research avenue, Willman emphasizes the importance of considering labrets as a physical manifestation of Pavlovian behaviors.
Moreover, the labret theory challenges the notion that cheek piercings are a modern trend, given the presence of this practice during the Paleolithic era. If confirmed, this discovery could revolutionize our understanding of human cultural practices and the evolution of technology, such as the development of piercing techniques.
In conclusion, John C. Willman's groundbreaking study opens up the possibility that the use of labrets could provide invaluable insights into the daily lives of our Paleolithic ancestors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the broader context of science, technology, and cultural evolution.
