In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, a piece of prehistoric "chewing gum" used by a teenage girl approximately 10,500 years ago has been analysed in Estonia, providing unprecedented insights into Stone Age life.
The Ancient Discovery in Tartu
Researchers from the University of Tartu's Institute of History and Archaeology made the extraordinary find of birch tar bearing clear tooth impressions and preserved saliva traces. The substance, created through dry distillation of birch bark, served multiple purposes in ancient societies including as an adhesive and medicinal aid.
The prehistoric material was discovered in Estonia and represents one of the most detailed genetic snapshots of Mesolithic Europeans ever uncovered. Through meticulous DNA extraction from the saliva residues, scientists have reconstructed the physical appearance of the individual who last chewed this material millennia ago.
Revealing the Stone Age Chewer
Genetic experts at the university's Institute of Genomics determined that the gum was chewed by a girl with brown hair and brown eyes, challenging conventional assumptions about the appearance of northern Europeans during this period.
Professor Bettany Hughes, who featured the discovery in her Channel 4 documentary 'Hidden Estonia: Land of Fire and Ice', expressed her fascination with the findings. "This shows how one throwaway item can bring us face to face with the people of the past," she remarked.
The analysis was significantly enhanced by Estonia's unique genetic database, which contains DNA samples from 20% of the country's modern population, allowing for more accurate interpretation of ancient genetic material.
Broader Archaeological Context
The chewing gum discovery forms part of a wider archaeological investigation across Estonia that is revealing fascinating aspects of historical life. Researchers are also studying an 800-year-old cross featuring genitalia that produces sound when worn.
Professor Heiki Valk explained that this medieval artefact demonstrates how Estonians integrated pagan fertility symbols with emerging Christian traditions. The metal cross contains a hinged vulva-shaped piece that knocks against an engraved penis design, creating audible movement when worn.
Another significant find discussed in the documentary involves the "Kukruse lady," a woman in her 50s buried in a 12th-century grave with extensive grave goods including bronze and silver jewellery, daggers, and remarkably, a fertilised bird's egg placed at her feet.
Dr Ester Oras, the archaeologist who analysed the eggshell, suggested this may have held Christian symbolism related to fertility and rebirth, providing further insight into burial practices and belief systems of the period.
These collective discoveries are transforming our understanding of ancient Baltic societies, demonstrating how modern scientific techniques can extract profound human stories from the most mundane ancient artefacts.
