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Ancient Skulls Reveal Surprising Gender Mix
15 Nov
Summary
- 165 ancient skulls found in a Chiapas cave.
- Collection includes significant numbers of women and children.
- Skulls reveal details about ancient Mesoamerican rituals.
Human remains unearthed in a Chiapas, Mexico, cave have presented a more complex picture of ancient Mesoamerican societies than previously understood. The collection of 165 skulls, discovered in 2012, dates to the Early Postclassic period, approximately AD 900-1200.
Contrary to expectations, researchers found that the remains included 83 female skulls and 15 child skulls, alongside 79 male skulls. This near-equal representation of men and women suggests that ancient ceremonial practices involved a broader demographic than typically assumed.
Further analysis revealed unique details, such as the removal of lower jaws and upper teeth from many skulls. Evidence of intentional cranial deformation was also observed on some remains, indicating specific cultural practices from childhood.
Additional findings include 51 long bones and the rare preservation of a tiny middle ear bone. Cut marks and heat exposure evidence on some remains suggest fire might have been used in ceremonies within the cave, which could have served as a pilgrimage site.
These discoveries indicate that the skulls' significance extended beyond mere display, pointing to deep spiritual beliefs about the essence of a person, particularly the head, in Mesoamerican cultures.
