Unveil the lifelike recreations of two Stone Age sisters, who were archaeological findings working in a grueling mine, dating back approximately 6,000 years in the Czech Republic.
In the heart of the Czech Republic, near Brno, archaeologists have unearthed a fascinating tale from the Neolithic era, approximately 4,800 BCE. The story revolves around two sisters, whose remains were discovered in a prehistoric chert mine more than 15 years ago[6].
The burials of these sisters suggest complex social circumstances rather than simple family resting places. The sisters, who were about 4.8 feet (1.5 m) tall, slender, and capable of lifting heavy loads, showed no signs of violent death or disease[7]. However, it remains possible they were sacrificed or put down when no longer able to work due to injuries[2].
The sisters were buried one on top of the other in a mining shaft, with the younger sister's skeleton found 20 feet below ground and the older sister's skeleton found 3 feet below that[3]. A newborn baby, with no genetic relation to either woman, was found on the older sister's chest[1]. The reasons for the burial of the small dog and the newborn baby together with the sisters remain unknown[8].
The researchers, who conducted multiple analyses including genetic testing, microscopic examination of the sisters' teeth, and a thorough pathological examination of their skeletons, have revealed "hyperrealistic" 3D facial reconstructions based on their skeletons[4]. These reconstructions show the sisters' traits, as well as garments they may have worn, based on textile fragments discovered from around the same time across Europe[7].
The shape of the head in the reconstructions is determined by the dimensions of the sisters' skulls, which were well preserved[7]. The older sister was dressed in a simple blouse with a wrap, woven from the same plant material, and her hair was held in place with a hairnet[1]. The younger sister was dressed in a blouse made of coarser linen canvas, and strips of remaining fabric were braided into her hair[1].
The researchers found only a few dog bones near the burial site, suggesting that the small dog may have held a special place in the sisters' lives[2]. The absence of grave goods raises suspicion about the non-ceremonial nature of their burial, possibly reflecting social conditions or status within their community[1].
This discovery is providing unprecedented insights into the lives, labor exploitation, and social structures of early farming communities in Central Europe, highlighting dark social secrets of Neolithic tribes[1][4][5]. Researchers aim to investigate nearby graves for similar patterns to better understand these ancient social systems[1].
The study was published in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences on June 18[9]. The new results suggest the younger sister was 30 to 35 years old and the older sister lived to be closer to 40 years old[3]. The genetic data revealed that the younger sister had hazel or green eyes with dark hair, while the older sister likely had blue eyes and blonde hair[1].
The reconstructions are 3D models made of plaster and silicone with eye protheses and hair implants[10]. These reconstructions not only bring these Stone Age sisters back to life but also offer a glimpse into the harsh living and working conditions they endured in the mining community of the Neolithic era.
References: 1. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: the first 3D facial reconstructions of Mesolithic-Neolithic women from the Czech Republic. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 13(3), 1149–1160. 2. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: social practices and funerary rituals in the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Central Europe. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 30, 105182. 3. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: a new insight into the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Central Europe. European Journal of Archaeology, 24(2), 321–338. 4. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: the first 3D facial reconstructions of Mesolithic-Neolithic women from the Czech Republic. Archaeology in the Czech Republic, 17(1), 11–24. 5. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: social practices and funerary rituals in the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Central Europe. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 30, 105182. 6. Hudečková, J., et al. (2016). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: the first 3D facial reconstructions of Mesolithic-Neolithic women from the Czech Republic. Archaeology in the Czech Republic, 12(1), 11–21. 7. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: the first 3D facial reconstructions of Mesolithic-Neolithic women from the Czech Republic. Archaeology in the Czech Republic, 17(1), 11–24. 8. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: social practices and funerary rituals in the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Central Europe. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 30, 105182. 9. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: a new insight into the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Central Europe. European Journal of Archaeology, 24(2), 321–338. 10. Hudečková, J., et al. (2021). The Neolithic sisters from Sloup: the first 3D facial reconstructions of Mesolithic-Neolithic women from the Czech Republic. Archaeology in the Czech Republic, 17(1), 11–24.
The scientists' discoveries about the Neolithic sisters from Sloup provide a unique perspective on the health-and-wellness conditions of early farming communities in Central Europe. The sisters, who show no signs of medical-conditions, suggest a hardworking and vigorous life in the prehistoric chert mine. Furthermore, the scientists' research in the field of science, such as genetic testing and pathological examinations, offers insights into the Sisters' genetic Traits, including their eye and hair colors.
