A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Seville in Spain has revealed that the remains of a nobleman discovered in the Montelirio tholos archaeological site in Valencina are actually those of a woman. The findings challenge previous assumptions about gender roles in ancient societies, shedding light on the high social status that women could attain in the Iberian Copper Age.
For many years, the individual unearthed in 2008, along with their opulent tomb, had been referred to as the “Ivory Man.” This name was given due to the presence of luxury items found alongside the skeleton, such as an African elephant’s tusk and a blade made of rock crystal and ivory. However, a new study published in Scientific Reports has now identified the individual as the “Ivory Lady.”
The researchers employed a novel approach to determine the sex of ancient remains. Instead of relying on bone size, they analyzed tooth enamel for the presence of AMELX genes typically found on the X chromosomes of humans. By testing two teeth, the scientists were able to confirm the presence of the gene, thus establishing the individual’s female identity.
According to the study, the Ivory Lady occupied the highest-ranking position among the nobility in her region. This conclusion is supported by the grandeur of her solitary tomb and the expensive gifts buried with her. Remarkably, the study suggests that no male in the region held a comparable social position during that time. It further states that women enjoyed similarly high social standing during the Iberian Copper Age.
Leonardo García Sanjuán, one of the co-authors of the study, criticized the common practice of assigning gender based on assumptions regarding grave goods. He emphasized the importance of scientific rigour and urged researchers to reevaluate their preconceived notions about women’s roles in ancient societies.
This discovery is significant because it offers a glimpse into a period when Western European societies were experiencing new forms of leadership. García Sanjuán explained that the Ivory Lady was a leader who existed before the era of kings and queens, and her elevated status was not inherited but earned through personal achievements, skills, and personality.
The findings of this study not only alter our understanding of gender roles in the Iberian Copper Age but also prompt us to reconsider the contributions and capabilities of women in ancient societies. By challenging traditional assumptions, researchers hope to broaden our perspectives and promote a more accurate representation of the past. Further research in this direction will undoubtedly shed more light on the rich and diverse history of humanity.
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