In Germany, on a site that was being prepared for the construction of a power transmission line, archaeologists discovered an ancient burial of women and babies. According to scientists, the find dates back to approximately 4,500 years ago. Along with the human remains, the researchers came across the remains of unusual children’s carriers – leather bags decorated with dog teeth. About opening informs Popular Science.
The discovery was made near a small village on the outskirts of Dresden. Burials have been found in this area before, but the new discovery is striking in its scientific value.
According to archaeologists, it will help to better understand the social structure, gender roles and child-rearing practices of late Neolithic societies – in particular, the Corded Pottery culture. Of particular interest were leather bags decorated with dog teeth. Although the organic materials themselves have not been preserved, decorative elements have survived – teeth laid out in the form of patterns reminiscent of roof tiles.
Each of these bags measured approximately 20 by 30 centimeters and contained up to 350 teeth, mostly from dogs similar to today’s small Münsterlanders. Researchers suggest that the owners of these items could have been women from the privileged strata of society, as the manufacture of such items required a high level of skill.
The position of the remains of the bags indicates that they were worn from the front, slung across the body. Many of them contained children’s remains at the time of burial. In one case, a bag was left with a woman who probably died during pregnancy. This, according to scientists, shows that “baby carriers” were “personal, not hereditary things.”
According to the researchers, these objects could be used not only in rituals, but also in everyday life. In addition, the limbs and heads of some children were wrapped in scarf-like cloth, decorated with extra teeth. Prehistoric people probably believed that such ornaments had a protective effect on babies. Archaeological work on the site will continue until the end of July. All found items will be further researched and may eventually add to museum collections.
Photo: popsci.com
