11/07/2025
Archaeologists have uncovered the skeleton of a woman at the ancient site of Teotihuacan, a city that once thrived in Mesoamerica. While many skeletons have been found at such sites, this particular discovery stands out for a remarkable reason.
Dating back approximately 1,700 years, the woman’s remains revealed a fascinating feature—her teeth were still intact, and one of them was especially unusual. One of her teeth had been artificially modified using a precious jade stone, a material highly valued by the Mayan civilization for crafting jewelry and ceremonial objects.
Even more astonishing, the jade tooth wasn’t simply placed there—it was firmly attached to her jaw using an adhesive made of cement or plant-based fiber, showcasing an advanced form of early dental modification. This discovery suggests that the Mayans practiced some of the earliest forms of cosmetic dentistry.
Carbon dating indicates that this dental work was performed sometime between 350 and 450 AD. Today, the skeleton is preserved in an artifact museum, serving as a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated practices of ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
