A 'helmet' made from a skull thousands of years ago

Two sets of remains of Salango babies were found wearing the skull of another child from 2,100 years ago.

Picture 1 of A 'helmet' made from a skull thousands of years ago
The skull is still firmly embedded in the remains of the remains thousands of years ago.(Photo: Live Science).

Archaeologists have discovered two sets of infant remains with the skulls of other children , buried 2,100 years ago. The remains of two sets of remains were found in nine different graves in the region of Salango, on the central coast of Ecuador. Archaeological results are published in Latin American Antiquity.

The team said this was the only case where the skull was used as a "helmet" to be worn on the heads of buried children. "The special thing is that the skull is still attached to the heads of buried children , " said the archaeological team member, adding that it is possible that the flesh in the skull is a glue that holds the skull in place. on top of the remains.

Currently, archaeologists conduct research to explain the use of skulls on children's heads. Some suggested that it might be a form of spiritual rite to protect the soul, some said to protect the bones inside the skull. According to research, the bones of these two sets of children are thought to be malnourished, caused by famine from volcanic eruptions affecting food production. In addition, the team discovered a bronze statue of an ancestor made of copper next to the remains, "with the belief to protect and empower the tribe," the archaeological team wrote in the paper.

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