New research reveals that the ancient woman from Belgium had lighter skin than previously believed. Scientists from Ghent University reconstructed her face using ancient DNA and found that she would have had blue eyes and lighter skin compared to others from the Mesolithic period in Western Europe. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about genetic makeup among European hunter-gatherers. Additionally, the woman’s remains, along with eight others, were discovered in the Margaux cave in Dinant during an archaeological dig in the late 1980s. The burial site, containing mainly women’s remains, showed evidence of ritual practices including ochre sprinkling and stone coverings. The findings shed light on the complex burial customs and cultural practices of this early hunter-gatherer community.
The creation of a detailed reconstruction of an ancient woman’s appearance was made possible by analyzing her skull. Her skin, hair, and eye color were determined using ancient DNA, while details such as jewelry and tattoos were based on archaeological data from excavations in the River Meuse basin. At one excavation site on the riverbanks, scientists found evidence of a nomadic lifestyle through the discovery of stone tools, wild game bones, and fish remains. These findings indicate a reliance on natural resources for survival, prompting these people to continually move their settlements. Many questions remain about these Mesolithic communities, the last hunter-gatherers in Western Europe. The research team is currently studying the relationships between individuals buried together and investigating their fish consumption habits. To stay updated with more news from CNN, you can create an account on CNN.com.
