“Ivory Man” Revealed as “Ivory Lady” in Dental Analysis of 4,800-Year-Old Skeleton

An analysis of teeth has revealed that an individual known as the “Ivory Man,” buried with extravagant grave goods in the Copper Age, was actually a woman. The discovery positions her as one of the most socially prominent figure in Iberian Copper Age society, challenging previous assumptions about gender roles and power dynamics in ancient civilizations. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, shed new light on the status and influence of women during this period.

Lavish Grave Indicating Status

Discovered in 2008 at Valencina, Spain, the “Ivory Man” burial captivated archaeologists due to the presence of lavish grave goods, including ivory tusks and a rock crystal dagger. The tomb was situated in regal isolation, approximately 80 meters away from a communal grave, emphasizing the individual’s exceptional status within the community.

The prevailing assumption that burials with ceremonial and weapon-related elements belonged exclusively to males has been challenged by this finding. Previous physical anthropological studies often led to the assumption that individuals buried with armor and weapons were male. However, this new research demonstrates the importance of revisiting such assumptions.

Role of Dental Enamel Analysis

By analyzing certain peptides in tooth enamel, the researchers were able to establish the true gender of the individual. In their paper, published in Scientific Reports, they state, “Through the analysis of sexually dimorphic amelogenin peptides in tooth enamel, we establish that the most socially prominent person of the Iberian Copper Age (c. 3200–2200 BC) was not male, as previously thought, but female.”

The utilization of dental enamel analysis represents a turning point in gender archaeology, providing a more accurate scientific determination of an individual’s sex. This breakthrough technique has the potential to reevaluate interpretations of gender roles and societal structures in ancient civilizations.

Unique Burial 

The Ivory Lady’s burial differed from the collective burials typical of the period. She was interred alone and surrounded by finely crafted grave goods. The researchers note that her tomb contained unprecedented objects in European and world prehistory, such as an African elephant tusk, a rock crystal/ivory dagger, and rare substances like cinnabar and cannabis. These findings emphasize her exceptional social standing.

The archaeological evidence suggests that the burial site also remained significant over time. More than 60 smaller tombs and various deposits were placed around the Ivory Lady’s tomb in subsequent generations, indicating a lasting oral memory of her prominence. Objects of high quality were added to the tomb long after her burial, further highlighting her enduring influence.

Moreover, the nearby communal grave contained predominantly female remains and luxurious grave goods, suggesting that no males achieved a comparable social position during this era. This discovery challenges the traditional views of gender roles and power dynamics during the Copper Age in the Iberian Peninsula.

Challenging Preconceptions

The sophistication, quality, and quantity of the grave goods attributed to the Ivory Lady set her apart from other individuals buried during the Copper Age in the Iberian Peninsula. The researchers argue that her social position was likely achieved through merit and personal achievement, challenging the notion of social status solely based on birthright.

The unprecedented wealth and sophistication of the Ivory Lady’s burial, along with the absence of comparable male burials from the same period, prompt a reevaluation of the political and social roles of women during the early stages of social complexity. The researchers urge readers to reevaluate their preconceived notions, stating “Our results invite to reconsider established interpretations about the political role of women at the onset of early social complexity, and question traditionally held views of the past.” 

As new research continues to reshape our understanding of ancient societies, the dental analysis of the Ivory Lady opens up new avenues for exploration into the roles, achievements, and status of women in ancient civilizations.