Archaeologists in Estonia discovered a 10,500-year-old piece of chewed birch tar, nicknamed “gum,” from a teenage girl. Analysis revealed tooth marks, saliva, and DNA, suggesting the girl had brown hair and eyes. The “gum” was likely chewed for toothache relief or used as adhesive. The discovery provides valuable insights into Stone Age life and challenges assumptions about the appearance of early northern Europeans. The University of Tartu is analyzing other artifacts like an 800-year-old cross with pagan fertility symbols. The documentary also explores the “Kukruse lady,” a 12th-century woman buried with rich grave goods, including a fertilized egg, possibly symbolizing Christian beliefs about fertility.

Highlights

Here are the highlights from the article in bullet points:

* A 10,500-year-old piece of birch tar “gum” was discovered in Estonia, bearing teeth marks and saliva traces.
* DNA extracted from the saliva revealed the gum was likely chewed by a teenage girl with brown hair and eyes.
* The gum challenges assumptions about early Northern Europeans’ hair/eye color and provides insights into past behaviors.
* Archaeologists in Estonia are also analyzing an 800-year-old metal cross with pagan fertility symbols.
* A skeleton of the “Kukruse lady” unearthed with silver jewelry and a fertilised bird’s egg, revealing burial rituals.

Whispers from the Stone Age: A Teenage Girl’s 10,500-Year-Old Gum Reveals Secrets

Imagine holding a piece of the past in your hand. A relic, not of stone or bone, but of something far more intimate: a piece of chewing gum, discarded by a teenage girl over ten millennia ago. This isn’t fiction, but a remarkable reality unearthed by archaeologists in Estonia.

A Glimpse into the Life of a Stone Age Teen

Researchers at the University of Tartu discovered a piece of prehistoric birch tar – essentially, ancient gum – bearing the distinct impressions of teeth and traces of saliva. Birch tar is created through dry distillation of birch bark and has been used as an adhesive. But what’s truly captivating is what this seemingly insignificant artifact revealed.

• The Power of DNA: By extracting DNA from the saliva, scientists at the Institute of Genomics uncovered startling details about the gum’s chewer. The analysis pointed towards a young girl with brown hair and brown eyes.

• Challenging Assumptions: As historian Bettany Hughes, who featured the discovery in her documentary series "Treasures of the World," passionately pointed out, this finding challenges long-held assumptions.
  

  “We even know [the gum chewer] had brown eyes and hair, which I love because it challenges the assumption that northern Europeans had fair hair and blue eyes. It’s such a relatable but profoundly remarkable thing.”

This discovery is more than just a scientific breakthrough; it’s a deeply human connection across the vast expanse of time.

The Importance of Context

The University of Tartu’s unique resource further amplifies the significance of this find.

• A Genetic Goldmine: The institute holds DNA samples from 20% of Estonia’s modern population, providing scientists with an unparalleled reference point for interpreting ancient DNA. This vast database allows for comparisons and insights that would be impossible elsewhere.

Beyond Gum: Unearthing Estonia’s Rich Past

The chewing gum isn’t the only remarkable find to emerge from Estonia. The documentary also explored other fascinating artefacts:

• The Pagan Cross: A metal cross from 800 years ago. Its uniqueness lies in its design: a vulva-shaped piece covers and knocks against a penis design when the cross is moved. This symbol shows how Estonians integrated their pre-Christian fertility symbols with their new Christian Faith.
• The Kukruse Lady: The "Kukruse lady", a skeleton discovered in a 12th-century burial ground. Buried with her, were treasures and food for the afterlife, as well as a fertilized bird egg, placed at her feet. What these items signify is still being understood.

From Toothaches to Tools: The Versatility of Birch Tar

Chewing birch tar was likely a common practice in the Stone Age, serving multiple purposes.

• Medicinal Relief: Chewing tar could have been a way to alleviate toothaches.

• A Natural Adhesive: Birch tar was – and still is – used as an effective glue for repairing broken tools and pottery.

The Numbers Speak Volumes:

• This "gum" is 10,500 years old, placing it firmly in the Stone Age.
• The University of Tartu holds DNA samples from 20% of Estonia’s population, providing a crucial modern genetic comparison.

This one "throwaway" item has brought us face to face with the people of the past.

What can you do?

Stories like these remind us that even the smallest of artifacts can unlock incredible stories. Support archaeological research and help preserve our shared human history for future generations. Learn more about the University of Tartu’s research and how you can contribute!

FAQ

Okay, here are 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the provided text about the archaeological discoveries in Estonia:

1. What is the significance of the "gum" discovered in Estonia?

• The "gum" is a 10,500-year-old piece of birch tar chewed by a teenage girl during the Stone Age. It’s significant because it preserves traces of her DNA, providing insights into her appearance (brown hair and brown eyes) and potentially her health and diet. It also offers a tangible connection to people from the past.

2. What is birch tar and what was it used for?

• Birch tar is a substance synthesized by dry distilling bark from birch trees. It was used as an adhesive (glue) and potentially for medicinal purposes, such as relieving toothaches.

3. How were scientists able to determine the appearance of the girl who chewed the gum?

• By extracting DNA from the saliva left on the birch tar, the University of Tartu’s Institute of Genomics was able to determine that she likely had brown hair and brown eyes.

4. Why is the University of Tartu’s research so valuable in this discovery?

• The university has a large DNA database (samples from 20% of Estonia’s population), which allows them to compare the ancient DNA to modern genetic information and better interpret the findings.

5. Where was this discovery revealed?

• The discovery was revealed in the documentary Hidden Estonia: Land of Fire and Ice, part of the Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World series, broadcast on Channel 4.

6. What other interesting artifacts are being analyzed by Tartu University?

• They are also analyzing an 800-year-old metal cross depicting genitalia. This cross has a hinged vulva shape that makes a sound when moved against the penis design.

7. What was found in the burial of the "Kukruse lady?"

• The "Kukruse lady" was buried with bronze and silver jewelry, food, a sieve, daggers, and a fertilized bird’s egg.

8. What is the possible meaning of the fertilized egg found at the "Kukruse lady’s" feet?

• Archaeologists believe the fertilized egg may have been placed there as a grave good with some kind of Christian symbolism and a reference to fertilization.