Relic Jewelry from Human Jawbones Found in Mexico David DeMar - New Historian
go to original May 25, 2016

This carved and painted human mandible (jawbone) was found in a ceremonial area within a residential complex at the site of Dainzú-Macuilxóchitl in Mexico. (Erica Ausel/Indiana University)

Ancient pieces of jewelry made from 1,300 year old painted jawbone fragments that might have been worn around the neck like pendants have been found at a Mexican ceremonial site.

A number of other artifacts were also found at the dig site, including figurines and whistles made from ceramics. All of these objects seemed to have been smashed on purpose, with researchers reporting not one single intact example. Archaeologists say that these whistles might have emitted an owl-like hoot. A few of the figurines bore the image of a Mesoamerican deity known as Xipe Totec, associated with agricultural activity and human sacrifice, often depicted with human bones hanging from his neck.

According to an article in Live Science, the ceremonial site was first uncovered during the spring and early summer of last year in the Oaxaca Valley, situated in southern Mexico. The site, known as Dainzú-Macuilxóchitl, was once inhabited by the Zapotec people who still reside in the region today. The ceremonial site was part of a larger Zapotec residential complex.

Oregon State University’s Jeremias Pink recently led a discussion on the research findings at the annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology. The research study associated with the discovery is currently being prepared for publication.

Read the rest at New Historian

Related: Mystery of the Gruesome Aztec Skull Masks Solved: Decorated Remains Found Outside Mexican Temple Belong to Slain Warriors (Daily Mail)

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