Rare Treasures Found in Teeth in Mexican Cemetery: Mysteries of the Ancient Mayans
In an ancient cemetery in Mexico, archaeologists discovered a rare treasure hidden in the teeth of deceased people. Buried thousands of years ago, these remains reveal many secrets about the burial customs and aesthetic concepts of the ancient Maya.
Discovery and Meaning of Cemeteries:
Location: The cemetery is located near the Playa del Carmen area, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, where dozens of ancient Mayans are buried.
Historical context: This area was the cultural center of the Mayans, a civilization that flourished from about 2000 BC to the 16th century.
Key findings: During excavations, archaeologists discovered dozens of skeletons and noticed that many of them had precious stones embedded in their teeth.
Ritual Customs and Aesthetic Concepts of the Maya:
Religious significance: Attaching gems to teeth can be related to religious beliefs and rituals, to show respect for the gods.
Status symbol: Setting gemstones on teeth also represents high social status in Mayan society.
Beauty customs: The ancient Mayans believed that placing gems on their teeth made them more attractive, reflecting the aesthetic standards of the period.
Techniques and Materials:
Stone setting technique: Archaeologists found that the Mayans used advanced techniques to attach gems to their teeth. They drilled small holes in the teeth and used natural tree glue to attach the stones.
Gemstone Type: Gemstones used included jade, turquoise, and quartz, all of which were highly valued in the Mayan culture.
Durability of the material: Natural tree glue has good durability, helping the gemstone stay firmly attached to the tooth for centuries.
Specific Findings From the Cemetery:
Skull fragment with blue tongue: One of the most impressive finds is a skull fragment with a blue tongue, possibly due to dyes or natural materials.
Teeth with gems: Skeletons have been found with teeth embedded with gems, reflecting the sophistication of ancient Mayan beauty art.
Scientific Analysis and Significance of Findings:
Chemical analysis: Scientists conduct chemical analysis to determine the origin of the gemstones and acacias used.
DNA and anthropology: DNA analysis helps determine the anthropological relationships of people buried in cemeteries.
Unexpected discovery: Some skeletons also show signs of dental and bone and joint diseases, providing a clearer view of the health of the ancient Maya.
Historical and Social Background of the Maya:
Maya civilization: One of the most developed civilizations in the Americas, the Maya are famous for their architecture, mathematics, and astronomy.
Society and class: Maya society was divided into several classes, with aristocracy and priests holding leadership roles.
Burial customs: Ancient Mayan burial customs included group burials, with objects and treasures placed with the deceased.
Contribution of Findings:
Understanding aesthetics and beliefs: The discovery of treasures in the teeth of the ancient Maya helps us understand more about their aesthetic concepts and beliefs.
Developed ancient dental techniques: The ancient Mayans used advanced dental techniques that many other civilizations had never thought of.
Health and nutrition: Analysis of the skeletons helps scientists better understand the diet and health status of the ancient Maya.
Conclude:
The discovery of rare tooth treasures in a Mexican cemetery provides deeper insight into the burial customs, aesthetic and social concepts of the ancient Maya. With advanced techniques and sophistication in the art of beauty, the Mayans created unique cultural values that we still discover today.
