Exciting news! Researchers have revealed two incredibly lifelike reconstructions of sisters who lived a rough life in a primitive mining community more than 6,000 years ago in what is today the Czech Republic.
These remarkable 3D models are the result of fresh analysis of the sisters’ remains, which were discovered over 15 years ago in an ancient chert mine located in South Moravia. Evidence now suggests that the duo was actively involved in the laborious extraction of heavy stones used for tools and weapons.
The groundbreaking findings were published on June 18 in the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences.
Interestingly, the sisters were found buried one atop the other within a mining shaft. The younger sister’s skeleton was excavated at a depth of 20 feet (6 meters), while the older sister was positioned just 3 feet (1 meter) beneath her. Researchers believe they might have been interred there due to their connection with the mine, as explained by Martin Oliva, co-author of the study and an archaeologist at the Moravian Museum.
Despite no indications of death by violence or disease in their remains, Oliva mentioned to Live Science that there’s a chance they were sacrificed or buried when they became unable to work due to injuries.
There’s still plenty of intrigue surrounding the burial arrangements. Known for their peculiarities, the sisters were laid to rest with parts of a small dog, whose skull was discovered near the top, while the rest of the bones were found near the bottom skeleton. Even more puzzling was the discovery of a newborn baby said to be resting on the older sister’s chest, which bore no genetic relation to either woman.
“The infant was completely intact, but not biologically linked to them, and only a few dog bones were present,” Oliva recounted. “We still can’t explain why those remains were interred together, even with these new findings,” he added.
Challenging Times and Hard Labor
According to earlier research, which established their sibling bond, the sisters are thought to have lived between 4050 and 4340 B.C., as determined by radiocarbon dating. To gain a deeper understanding of their lives, the researchers executed a number of evaluations, including genetic testing, microscopic scrutiny of their teeth, and a detailed pathological study of their bones, also measuring different forms of carbon and nitrogen to deduce their diet.
Interestingly, new information indicates that while the sisters were well-fed, strong adults, they endured poverty, weakness, and illness during their childhood. Their skeletal remains displayed signs of extreme strain, such as damaged vertebrae and partially healed injuries, with one affected forearm showcasing an unhealed fracture, implying she was compelled to continue working despite her injury.
The timings of their remains suggest a transition towards a new societal system, around which vulnerable individuals began to be exploited, as noted by the study. According to the researchers, “the weightiest tasks may have shifted from the strongest to those most easily coerced into labor.”
Based on wear patterns on their teeth, it’s estimated that the younger sister was likely between 30 and 35 years old, while the older sister nearly reached the age of 40. They stood at approximately 4.8 feet (1.5 m) tall and were slender, adapted to lifting significant weights. They appeared to consume a protein-rich diet, more substantial than was typical in that region at the time; however, it’s still undetermined if this was due to the rigorous demands of their work or simply because of the area’s abundant wildlife.
Genetic insights revealed the younger sister likely had hazel or green eyes paired with dark hair, whereas her elder sibling likely had blue eyes and blonde tresses.
The reconstructions vividly showcase these personal traits along with attire styles, deduced from fabric remnants dated to that era found throughout Europe. These realistic models, crafted from plaster and silicone, feature implanted hair and artificial eyes, with the head shape formed from accurately measured skull dimensions that were well-preserved.
Researchers elaborated, “Remnants of fabrics from the Neolithic times consistently point to the exclusive use of plant fibers in textile production—flax, bark fibers, and nettles, among others.” They noted that the older sister wore a simple blouse with a wrap fashioned from similar plant material secured with a hairnet. In contrast, the younger sibling donned a garment like a coarser linen canvas, with braided fabric strips adorning her hair.
