Ancient Italian Skeletons Had Hemp In Their Teeth, Archaeologists Discover

Aug 30, 2018, 11:20am

Kristina Killgrove
Contributor
Science
Archaeologist, Writer, Scientist

In a new analysis of thousands of teeth from ancient skeletons buried at a site near Naples, Italy, archaeologists have discovered that people were using their mouths to help with their work -- occupations that likely involved processing hemp into string and fabric.

We all use our teeth as tools -- to open bottles, hold pieces of paper, or even smoke a pipe. When we do this, we open ourselves up to the possibility of cracking our teeth but also create microscopic grooves and injuries to the enamel surface. Since teeth don't remodel like bones do, these tiny insults remain over our entire lives.

To archaeologists, the pattern of tooth use that occurs from actions other than chewing is called AIDM -- activity-induced dental modification -- and can reveal cultural information about a person's life, diet, and occupation. For decades, archaeologists have investigated AIDM and found interesting patterns in Neandertals and other prehistoric human populations that are suggestive of ancient artifact production.

In a paper published yesterday in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology, a group of Italian and American researchers led by Alessandra Sperduti of the Museo delle Civiltà in Rome detail their analysis of more than 3,000 teeth from over 200 people who were buried in a cemetery at the Early Bronze Age (2500-1800 BC) site of Gricignano d'Aversa just north of Naples.

More:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2018/08/30/ancient-italian-skeletons-had-hemp-in-their-teeth-archaeologists-discover/#7825a79258db