Jade inlays, typically reserved for adults, have been discovered on the teeth of young Maya children aged only 8 to 10 years, challenging our understanding of this ancient civilization.
These dental modifications, such as gemstone inlays, were common among pre-Hispanic Maya during the Classic and Postclassic periods, between 250 and 1550 AD. Artisans used stone tools to carve cavities into teeth, then inserted materials like jade or obsidian, sealed with an organic-based cement. Until now, this practice had only been documented in adults, with a few rare cases in youths aged 15 to 20.
View of a canine with jade inlay showing proximity to the pulp chamber.
Credit: Marco Ramírez-Salomón et al.
The study of three children's teeth, preserved at the Popol Vuh Museum of the Francisco Marroquín University in Guatemala, identified these exceptions. These teeth, including a left upper central incisor, a left lower lateral incisor, and a right upper canine, come from individuals estimated to be between 8 and 10 years old. They show signs of modification during the children's lifetimes, unlike another known case where the inlays were post-mortem.
Researchers hypothesize that these modifications may be linked to a regional tradition rather than a widespread Maya practice. The rarity of such examples in preadolescents suggests a localized custom. Another possibility is that these inlays symbolized a transition to adulthood, marking the beginning of social responsibilities, such as working in the fields or domestic tasks around the age of 10.
Detailed analysis reveals variations in the quality of the inlays, possibly indicating the work of different artisans. For example, one incisor shows a carefully carved cavity only in the enamel, while another penetrates to the dentin without reaching the pulp.
Lateral incisor with precise inlay cavity in the enamel.
Credit: Marco Ramírez-Salomón et al.
These findings offer new insight into Maya cultural practices, although the lack of archaeological context limits definitive conclusions. They pave the way for future research to better understand the social and ritual significance of these dental modifications in the young.
Maya dental modifications
The Maya practiced various dental modifications, including filing, engraving, and inlaying stones like jade. These alterations were made using lithic tools to create precise cavities in the teeth.
The process often involved the use of an organic cement to fix the stones, requiring great artisanal skill. These practices were not only aesthetic but also symbolic, linked to social identity and status within the community.
Inlays were particularly valued and reserved for high-ranking individuals, perhaps serving as markers of wealth or spirituality.
Dental archaeology and its importance
Dental archaeology studies dental remains to reconstruct the lifestyles, diets, and cultural practices of ancient civilizations. Teeth, being highly resistant, often preserve valuable information about individuals' health and habits.
Techniques like radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) allow detailed analysis of internal tooth structures without damaging them. In this study, these methods revealed calcifications indicating pulp responses to the modifications.
These analyses help understand not only artisanal techniques but also impacts on oral health, offering insights into the skills and risks faced by these populations.