Revealing Hidden Histories Through Teeth

Archaeological findings in central Europe have unearthed numerous skeletal remains dating back to the last Ice Age. Among these remains, experts have observed peculiar dental abrasions that have baffled researchers for decades. Recently, a Portuguese scholar has introduced a novel theory that links these enigmatic tooth marks to a surprising cultural tradition—cheek piercings.

The researcher, John C. Willman from the Laboratory of Prehistory at the University of Coimbra, suggests that the Pavlovian people, a hunter-gatherer community thriving between 25,000 and 29,000 years ago, adorned themselves with labrets, a form of cheek piercing. His study, published in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, argues that these piercings could be responsible for the unusual dental wear seen in many well-preserved Pavlovian teeth.

Decoding the Dental Clues

While conducting research for his Ph.D. thesis, Willman was struck by the distinctive wear patterns on the canines and cheek teeth of individuals from Pavlovian sites. In addition to standard wear on chewing surfaces, these teeth exhibited flat planes on their buccal (cheek) sides. "This enamel wear bears a striking resemblance to the damage caused by labrets and other facial piercings found in bioarchaeological, ethnographic, and clinical studies," Willman noted in a blog post.

Prior theories had speculated that Pavlovian individuals might have held small pebbles in their mouths to stimulate saliva production and alleviate thirst. However, Willman's new analysis of original tooth remains and photographs led him to conclude that labrets were the most plausible explanation for the flat buccal surfaces he observed. He also pointed out that these piercings could have influenced tooth alignment over time, similar to how braces or retainers affect modern dental structure.

A Cultural Practice Rooted in Rites of Passage

One of the most compelling aspects of Willman's hypothesis is the widespread nature of the dental abrasions. These marks are present in the well-preserved teeth of most Pavlovian adults and adolescents, and even in children as young as six to ten years old. This prevalence suggests that the practice of wearing labrets may have been tied to significant life events, akin to rites of passage.

Willman hypothesizes that children and adolescents likely received a labret on one side of the face early in life, while adults generally displayed evidence of labrets on both sides. This pattern indicates a shared cultural practice that marked different stages of life within the Pavlovian community. Although no direct evidence of labrets has been found in Pavlovian burials, Willman posits that piercings made of organic materials like wood or leather may have decomposed over time, or that the dead were not buried with their piercings intact.

Implications Beyond Dentistry

Whether future research confirms the labret hypothesis, the presence of buccal facets offers a tangible glimpse into the lived experiences of Pavlovian individuals. These dental features represent more than just physical anomalies; they symbolize a behavioral pattern that defined this ancient culture. By examining these clues, we gain deeper insights into the customs and rituals that shaped the lives of our prehistoric ancestors.

What once seemed like a modern trend—cheek piercings—now appears to have roots far deeper in human history. This discovery underscores the importance of reevaluating our assumptions about ancient practices and encourages us to explore the rich tapestry of human cultural evolution.