Lavish tomb in ancient Spain belonged to a woman, not a man, new research shows

The Associated Press ^ | July 6, 2023 | BY CHRISTINA LARSON

[Oldeconomybuyer]

WASHINGTON (AP) — When archaeologists first discovered the 5,000-year-old ornate tomb in Spain, they assumed it was for a man. It held a rock crystal dagger, ivory tusks and other lavish items. But now they’ve determined the remains are those of a woman, and all it took was two teeth.

The researchers used a new method of determining sex that analyzes tooth enamel. This technique, developed about five years ago, is more reliable than analyzing skeletal remains in poor condition, according to their study published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports.

Most details about the life of the “Ivory Lady,” as researchers dubbed her, remain a mystery but there are some clues.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Hmmm. Two teeth. Man. Woman.

[SteveH]

p

[Honest Nigerian]

What is a woman?

[Larry Lucido]

Did it have shoes?

[Boogieman]

“now they’ve determined the remains are those of a woman, and all it took was two teeth.”

Hmm, I suppose the woman must have engraved her gender identity on those teeth in a language that we were able to decipher. How else could they know?

[Boogieman]

Probably lots more than could be humanly necessary, if it was a woman.

[Larry Lucido]

This room was a giveaway.

[BobL]

“Lavish tomb in ancient Spain belonged to a woman, not a man, new research shows”

I hope men understand the SIGNIFICANCE of this. But I doubt it.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

What is a woman?

Ask your dentist.

[AirForceVet1988]

I hope men understand the SIGNIFICANCE of this. But I doubt it.

---

Please explain.

[PGR88]

Social Scientists: The oppressive patriarchy was alive and well even 5000 years ago!

Oh wait. Never mind.

[Adder]

Musta been the local hot mama...

[larrytown]

Clan founder, perhaps? Given that, technically, ‘clans’ are matriarchical.

Not transmatriachical, ‘cos that aint a real word.

[larrytown]

Clan founder, perhaps? Given that, technically, ‘clans’ are matriarchical.

Not transmatriachical, ‘cos that aint a real word.

[Bratch]

[heartwood]

X and Y chromosomes both code for a protein that makes tooth enamel, but in slightly different forms.

Men have two forms of this protein in their enamel, X and Y coded, and women have just one.

As lovely as it is for anthropologists to find the body of a revered and wealthy woman, armed (at least symbolically, a crystal dagger would shatter easily), still the niggling question persists: are we respecting this person’s self-recognized gender identity?

[fini]

"Hmm, I suppose the woman must have engraved her gender identity on those teeth in a language that we were able to decipher. How else could they know?"

I think all of the throw pillows gave everyone a really big hint.

[TribalPrincess2U]

How? Could have been a the first male turned female. s/s

[SunkenCiv]

“Hooks!”

(hey, where are they?)

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks SteveH. Obviously a white supremacist. /s

• Dazzling Treasures Unearthed in Bronze Age Grave Likely Belonged to a Queen [04/05/2021]