Ancient Mesoamerican Bling!

By Queuebot in Health on May 19, 2009 at 8:47 am

Gem-studded teeth were popular among people (mostly men) from all walks of life in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, purely for decorative purposes, a new study shows. As far back as 2,500 years ago, skilled dentists could drill teeth using obsidian drill-like devices, which are capable of penetrating bone. They may even have used some kind of herbal anesthetic. Then they attached the gemstones using plant resin adhesive. The ancient drillers knew enough to avoid the pulp inside teeth, and so managed to avoid an infection or broken tooth.

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(image credit: José C. Jiménez López)

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Marilyn Terrell.

Tags: ancient dentistry, anthropology, bling

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Tempscire
May 19th, 2009 at 8:56 am
I can’t stop staring at the big, gaping hole right in the middle of the picture where one of the stones fell out. Gyuh. *shudder*
Gauldar
May 19th, 2009 at 9:10 am
This leaves for situations which are more unpleasant then trying to get your wedding ring out of the pipes after it accidentally falls in the sink. Wonder if it fell out when he was still alive or if it was pried out by someone for cash.
Christophe
May 19th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
“The ancient drillers knew enough to avoid the pulp inside teeth”
How do you learn that? Trial and error. Ouch.
Pancake Man
May 20th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
*cue Lil Jon*
Yaya!

Pre-Columbian grills are epic win.

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