Uncovering Stone-Age Habits through Ancient Gum

Birch Pitch: Stone-Age “Gum” Reveals Dietary Choices and Tool-Making Practices

An intriguing study published in Scientific Reports sheds light on the habits of Stone-Age teenagers who chewed on birch pitch, a tarry tree resin, over 10,000 years ago. The study, centered around samples discovered in Sweden at the Huseby Klev archaeological site, offers insights into the dietary preferences and activities of prehistoric youths between 9,890 and 9,540 B.C.

Stone-Age Teens: Culinary Explorers and Tool Crafters

Analysis of the birch pitch revealed traces of a diverse diet, including wolf, arctic fox, limpet (a type of aquatic snail), birds, fish, hazelnuts, and crab apples. Lead author Emrah Kırdök suggests that these teenagers likely used the resin to assemble tools, such as axes and boat patches. The material, resembling contemporary gum but with a sooty color, was produced by burning bark and scraping resin off a rock.

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The study’s focus extends beyond dietary revelations. Researchers delved into the microbial content of the masticated resin, uncovering dozens of bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay. 

This indicates “poor oral health during the Scandinavian Mesolithic,” highlighting the challenges our Stone-Age ancestors faced in maintaining dental well-being.

Teeth as Tools: A Double-Edged Practice

Kırdök suggests that the frequent use of teeth as tools, involved in tasks like preparing animal furs and crafting bone utensils, introduced microbes responsible for dental issues. The children were also found to bite into mistletoe, using it to poison their arrowheads, showcasing the multifaceted use of their teeth in daily life.

Despite the poor oral health indicators, birch tar, with its antimicrobial properties, may have provided some relief. Marin Pilloud, a University of Nevada professor, notes that if the pitch removed plaque and debris, it could have had some benefits. Birch tar, still used today for medicinal purposes, might have served as a primitive form of toothpaste for our Stone-Age ancestors.

Glimpse into the Stone Age

The study captures a detailed moment in the Stone Age, offering a nuanced understanding of dietary practices, tool-making, and the complexities of oral health in prehistoric Scandinavia. As we unravel more mysteries from ancient artifacts, the birch pitch provides a unique window into the daily lives of Stone-Age teens.

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