Archaeologists Successfully Reconstruct the Visages of Two Ancient Sisters who labored in a Primordial Mine, approximately 6,000 years back.
In the heart of the Czech Republic, nestled within the Krumlov forest region, lies a prehistoric chert mine that has yielded a fascinating discovery. The 3D modeling of two Neolithic sisters, buried in this mine over 6,000 years ago, has shed light on their lives as hardworking miners and the social complexities of their community [1][2][4].
The sisters, who were biological siblings as confirmed through genetic testing, were buried one on top of the other inside the mine shaft where they toiled. The younger sister’s skeleton was found about six meters underground, and the older sister just one meter below her [1][2]. Their bones showed signs of heavy physical strain in the form of damaged vertebrae and half-healed fractures, indicative of the intense labor expected of them [3].
Despite their brutal mining lifestyle, extracting heavy rocks to produce tools and weapons, the sisters showed no signs of violent death or disease, suggesting they might have been sacrificed or put to rest when too injured to work [1][2]. This could reflect a possible social practice regarding laborers in decline.
Alongside their remains were puzzling burial objects: a small dog’s skeleton scattered between the two sisters and a newborn infant placed on the older sister’s chest [1][2][4]. Remarkably, genetic analysis confirmed the newborn baby had no genetic relationship to either sister, raising questions about the baby’s identity and the reasons for its inclusion in the burial [1][2].
The 3D reconstructions, based on well-preserved skulls and forensic artistic techniques, even recreated their facial features, hair, and clothing reflecting Neolithic styles. The younger sister's 3D model was shown wearing a rougher linen blouse, and strips of leftover fabric were braided into her hair. The older sister's 3D model was shown wearing a simple woven blouse and a wrap, with her hair held in place by a net [6].
Unsolved mysteries remain around the exact social or ritual meaning behind burying the sisters in the mine shaft itself, which may have served as a sacred or ancestral site beyond a mere workplace [4]. The fragmented dog bones found split between the two sisters could signify symbolic or ritual importance but remain unexplained [1][2]. The presence of the unrelated newborn on the older sister’s chest is particularly perplexing, with no clear interpretation offered yet—whether it was symbolic, a form of adopted care, or a ritual sacrifice remains unknown [1][2][4].
The study suggests that future research may uncover more hidden stories by applying similar techniques to other ancient burial sites. The 3D models of the sisters are currently part of exhibits in the Anthropos Pavilion of the Moravian Museum in Brno, where they serve as a poignant reminder of the often-forgotten laborers of the prehistoric world [7]. In the words of the researchers, the 3D reconstructions are considered powerful tools that humanize these ancient individuals, bringing their appearance and difficult lives vividly to life [5].
References: [1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-72787-2 [2] https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abd6992 [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924777X18302324 [4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377429318303880 [5] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-46706-2 [6] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-72787-2 [7] https://www.moravianmuseum.cz/en/exhibitions/anthropos-pavilion
- The prehistoric chert mine in the Krumlov forest region offers a glimpse into the future of science, where 3D technology is being used to study the lives of our ancestral miners.
- Advancements in genetics have made it possible to determine that the Neolithic sisters were biological siblings, offering a valuable insight into prehistoric biology and genetics.
- The field of tech, combined with science, allows us to reconstruct the facial features, clothing, and even the hair of these long-dead Neolithic women, giving us a closer look at their lives in the realm of chemistry and biology.
- As we delve deeper into the mysteries of these ancient burial sites, such as the one in the Czech Republic, we may uncover more about the rituals and social structures of the past, potentially shedding light on the future of anthropology and sociology.
- The findings from this research could have significant implications for the future of health, as understanding the lives and practices of our ancestors helps us to better comprehend the evolution of human societies.
