In a stunning archaeological breakthrough, a piece of prehistoric "chewing gum" used by a teenager 10,500 years ago has been genetically analysed, revealing intimate details about Stone Age life in Estonia.
The Remarkable Discovery
Archaeologists from the University of Tartu's Institute of History and Archaeology made the extraordinary find of birch tar bearing clear tooth marks and preserved saliva. The substance, created through dry distillation of birch bark, served multiple purposes in ancient times.
After extracting DNA from the saliva traces, genetic experts at the university's Institute of Genomics determined the gum was chewed by a female teenager with brown hair and brown eyes approximately 10,500 years ago.
Modern Science Meets Ancient History
Historian Bettany Hughes highlighted the significance of Estonia's modern genetic database in this discovery. "The institute holds DNA samples from 20% of Estonia's population, providing scientists with a modern genetic comparison to better interpret ancient DNA," she explained.
The finding was featured in Hidden Estonia: Land of Fire and Ice, part of Hughes' documentary series Treasures of the World broadcast on Channel 4. Hughes described the moment as "really magical," noting how "one throwaway item can bring us face to face with the people of the past."
She elaborated on the practical uses of birch tar in ancient societies: "We now know people chewed tar – burnt or heated silver-birch bark – for things like relieving toothaches and as glue. It's still used as an adhesive today, sealing breaks in tools and pots."
Challenging Historical Assumptions
The genetic analysis provides crucial insights that challenge conventional wisdom about early northern Europeans. "We even know the gum chewer had brown eyes and hair," Hughes noted, "which I love because it challenges the assumption that northern Europeans had fair hair and blue eyes. It's such a relatable but profoundly remarkable thing."
Meanwhile, University of Tartu researchers are examining other significant historical artefacts from across Estonia, including an 800-year-old cross depicting genitalia that produces sound when worn.
Professor Heiki Valk explained to Hughes that the metal cross, featuring a hinged vulva-shaped piece that covers and knocks against an engraved penis design, demonstrates how medieval Estonians integrated pagan fertility symbols with their new Christian faith. "When you wear it, it makes a brilliant noise," Valk remarked.
The documentary also examined artefacts from the "Kukruse lady," a woman in her 50s discovered in a 12th-century burial ground in the Estonian village of Kukruse. She was buried with fine bronze and silver jewellery, food for the afterlife, daggers, a sieve, and remarkably, a fertilised bird's egg placed at her feet.
Archaeologist Dr Ester Oras, who analysed the eggshell, suggested the fertilised egg might relate to "Christian symbolism and fertilisation," indicating the complex blending of beliefs in medieval Estonia.
