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Ice Age Hunters: Cheek Piercings Unveil Ancient Rituals

2/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ice Age hunter-gatherers of Central Europe, part of the Pavlovian culture, adorned themselves with cheek piercings known as labrets, according to research by John Willman from the University of Coimbra. These piercings, which began as early as age six, reveal fascinating insights into the social identities and rites of passage of our ancient ancestors.

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Story summary

Ice Age hunter-gatherers of Central Europe, part of the Pavlovian culture, adorned themselves with cheek piercings known as labrets, according to research by John Willman from the University of Coimbra. These piercings, which began as early as age six, reveal fascinating insights into the social identities and rites of passage of our ancient ancestors.