A mysterious cave in Africa was used as a tomb for 28 people who lived in the 14th and 15th centuries, with their faces deliberately disfigured, amid lavish burial items.
According to Acient Origins, 28 sets of deformed remains were discovered in amazingly perfect condition at Iroungoi Cave, a cave described as “unusual” in Gabon, west Central Africa.
Archaeologists at the scene – Photo: Antiquity
According to archaeologist Richard Oslisly from the Gabon National Park Authority, who led the expedition, it is usually difficult to find ancient remains in Africa because the soil here is very acidic, quickly decomposing all human bones. People. Therefore, this is a “unique” discovery, not only in the condition of the remains but also in the strange marks on the skull of the dead.
All of these people were buried with many of the most precious burial items for the community living here in the 14th and 15th centuries, which is also the date of the “catacombs”.
Skull with molars surgically removed – Photo: Antiquity
Archaeologists collected 486 iron objects, 26 bronze objects, 127 Atlantic sea shells, 39 animal teeth with rings… Although they don’t seem to be of much value if considered like this modern objects, but to this ancient people, it was a huge treasure, proving that the people buried here had a very high status.
All of their skulls show traces of the deliberate removal of many molars, disfiguring their faces. This gruesome detail is actually a type of… ancient cosmetic surgery, seemingly the privilege of elite individuals. According to archaeologists, the reasons for body modification were often aesthetic, sexual or religious reasons.
According to the article published in Antiquity, the people resting in Iroungoi may be several generations of a family of tribal leaders. Why they were buried in this special way and what ancient civilization, what ethnic group they belonged to… is still a mystery.
