Thus, German scientists from the University of Münster and the Hedebye Viking Museum joined forces to find out why these modifications were made and what they meant in the Viking society of Gotland at that time. In total, the researchers studied 130 individual remains that showed signs of tooth modification, as well as three known cases of skull deformation.
Adverts
According to experts, tooth filing was considered a ‘rite of initiation’ and a sign of belonging to a narrow social group of people, such as traders, who could identify each other by these signs. The scientists pointed out that the skull deformity was only present in female remains, and it came to the region from Southeastern Europe. Researchers do not know its exact meaning, but the elongated skull could indicate social status, beauty or a distinct social group.
