The pendant dates back 20,000 years. Old DNA reveals who wore it.
An interesting relic dating back around 20,000 years was discovered by scientists carefully handling an elk’s canine teeth that had been perforated to make a necklace, inside a Siberian cave that has served as an archeological treasure trove.
Profits were realized from the pendant’s immaculate collecting from Denisova Cave. The object’s long-ago owner, a Stone Age woman who was closely related to a group of hunter-gatherers known to have lived in an area of Siberia east of the cave site in the Russian foothills of the Altai Mountains, was identified by scientists on Wednesday using a novel technique for extracting ancient DNA.
The process can separate DNA that was once present in skin cells, perspiration, or other body fluids and was absorbed by some porous materials when handled by a person thousands of years ago, such as teeth, tusks, and bones.
Though it is impossible to link a specific object to a specific person, objects such as pendants, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and the like that are used as tools or for personal decoration might provide insight into historical behavior and society.
The study’s lead author, molecular biologist Elena Essel of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, said, “I find these objects made in the deep past extremely fascinating since they allow us to open a small window to travel back and have a glance into these people’s lives.” The study was published in the journal Nature.
In order to prevent contamination with contemporary DNA, the researchers who discovered the pendant—which is estimated to be between 19,000 and 25,000 years old—used gloves and face masks when excavating and touching it. It turned out to be the first ancient relic connected to a particular individual through DNA research. It’s unclear if the woman created it or just wore it.
