Blue fibers found in dental calculus from Maya sacrificial victims

Surveyed in 2008–2010, the Midnight Terror Cave contains the comingled remains of at least 118 Maya sacrificial victims from the Classic Period (250 CE–925 CE). In order to determine what the victims were consuming, microscopic analysis was carried out on dental calculus. Given the minimal calculus present, calculus from three teeth from one area of the cave (operation V) and three teeth from another area (operation VIII) was each combined to create two samples for analysis. Samples were sent to the PaleoResearch Institute for analysis where they were examined for pollen, phytoliths, starches, and other inclusions. Aside from organic components, both samples were found to contain blue fibers. We were able to exclude contamination as explanation for their presence. Given the time frame needed to encase the fibers within calculus, the fibers were introduced several days or weeks prior to death. The unusual color of the fibers could be attributed to Maya blue; a unique pigment used mainly in ritual settings. A few possible answers exist as to how the fibers were introduced to the victims' mouths. The fibers could be from consuming a blue‐dyed pulque. They could also have been introduced during utilitarian activities or through some form of dentistry. Another possible explanation is that the fibers were present after using gags as the victims were paraded from town to town, then to the sacrificial site

Archaeology · Art · Aside · Calculus (dental · Cave · Geography · Literature · Maya · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Dentistry · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Medicine · Paleopathology and ancient diseases

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