- The Upton Lovell Shaman, initially believed to be male, is revealed as a woman through ancient DNA analysis.
- This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the roles of women in bronze age metalworking societies.
- Exhibition 'We Go Way Back' at the Francis Crick Institute highlights how genetic techniques are reshaping our understanding of prehistoric times.
Who Was the Upton Lovell Shaman?
The Upton Lovell Shaman, a significant figure from around 4,000 years ago who was displayed as a male in museum exhibits, has been reclassified thanks to recent ancient DNA analysis. This revelation comes from the extensive remains found at a burial site near Stonehenge, dating back to approximately 1801.
Discovered in Upton Lovell, Wiltshire, this bronze age individual's grave contained an array of artifacts linked to metalworking and shamanistic practices, including stone axes, metal tools, and a ceremonial cloak. David Dawson, director of the Wiltshire Museum, expressed surprise at the findings: 'It completely tears up previous assumptions.' The analysis confirmed that the remains belonged to a woman who was likely a skilled metalworker, challenging the prevailing view that such roles were reserved for men.
Archaeological Evidence and Analysis
The grave provided insights into the individual's lifestyle and status. Alongside the skeleton were animal bones arranged around the neck, suggesting a ceremonial cloak, and a touchstone used to assess metal quality. The presence of gold traces on some stones hints at intricate craftsmanship.
Other items included a pouch decorated with boar tusks, fossil sponges hollowed into cups, flints, and metalworking tools. Dawson noted: 'The people she left behind wanted her to take her tool kit into the afterlife.' A battle axe made from greenstone from Cornwall was also found, adding to the mystery surrounding its purpose.
Genetic Insights and Broader Implications
The analysis of the Upton Lovell Shaman's remains using advanced genetic techniques has shed light on her ancestry and lifestyle. Pontus Skoglund, senior group leader at the ancient genomics laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute, emphasized: 'It feels really good to give this to archaeologists.' The team also examined two other bones, confirming the findings.
Professor Mary Beard of the exhibition steering group explained the significance of such genetic analyses. 'So often we have assigned the sex of an ancient skeleton partly on the basis of our own assumptions about sex and gender roles – if it is buried with a sword, it’s male, with a necklace, it’s female.' The Upton Lovell shaman's case highlights the need to rethink historical narratives based on modern interpretations.
What Comes Next?
The findings are part of an exhibition called 'We Go Way Back,' which opens at the Francis Crick Institute on 16 July. This event aims to showcase how genetic techniques are transforming our understanding of prehistoric times, offering new perspectives on ancient communities and their roles.
David Dawson concluded that the discovery is a testament to the power of scientific methods in uncovering truths about our past: 'It’s a fantastic revelation of the position of women in society.'
Source: The Guardian
Science Daily
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