Revising History: Ancient “Ivory Lady” Challenges Assumptions About Gender Roles in the Copper Age Society of Iberia
The archaeological revelation concerning the ‘Ivory Lady,’ an esteemed figure hailing from the historical Copper Age era in Iberia, has effectively shattered previously upheld beliefs and underscored the potential leadership roles women could undertake during that epoch. Pictured above is a recreated illustration of the ‘Ivory Lady.’ Image Credit: Miriam Luciañez Triviño.
As detailed in a peptide analysis featured in Scientific Reports, the preeminent individual of high standing in ancient Copper Age Iberia has now been determined to be female, a revelation that starkly contradicts earlier presumptions which attributed this role to a male figure. This figure, now known as the ‘Ivory Lady,’ was interred in a burial site containing an unparalleled collection of distinctive and precious artifacts indigenous to the region. Among these were ivory tusks, top-tier flint, ostrich eggshells, amber, and even a rock crystal dagger. This newfound insight illuminates the prominent roles that women could hold in this bygone society.
In the year 2008, an individual’s remains were uncovered within a tomb located in Valencia, Spain, dating back to the Copper Age spanning from 3,200 to 2,200 years ago. This sepulcher stood out as a rare example of a solitary burial, distinguished by its accompaniment of a multitude of valuable items, implying that the individual in question—initially believed to be a young male aged between 17 and 25 years—possessed a position of prominence within the societal hierarchy.
Marta Cintas-Peña and her colleagues employed amelogenin peptide analysis to examine the presence of amelogenin, a sexually dimorphic protein responsible for enamel formation, within the teeth of the specimen. Scrutiny of both a molar and an incisor indicated the existence of the AMELX gene, situated on the X chromosome and responsible for producing amelogenin. This genetic evidence conclusively established the individual’s female gender.
The implications of this revelation, as articulated by the researchers, indicate that the most esteemed figure during the Copper Age in Iberian society was, in fact, a woman. Moreover, the absence of grave goods in infant burials suggests that elevated status during this era was not solely determined by birthright. Thus, the researchers posit that the ‘Ivory Lady’ attained her esteemed position through merit and noteworthy accomplishments during her lifetime.
The study authors further expound that no comparably high-status male individual has yet come to light. Additionally, in the vicinity of the ‘Ivory Lady’s’ tomb, the sole other opulent Copper Age burial site within the region containing at least 15 women has been identified, presumed to have been constructed by those tracing their lineage back to the ‘Ivory Lady.’ This serves as evidence indicating that women held authoritative roles in the Iberian Copper Age society.
Reference: “Amelogenin peptide analyses reveal female leadership in Copper Age Iberia (c. 2900–2650 BC)” authored by Marta Cintas-Peña, Miriam Luciañez-Triviño, Raquel Montero Artús, Andrea Bileck, Patricia Bortel, Fabian Kanz, Katharina Rebay-Salisbury, and Leonardo García Sanjuán, published on July 6, 2023, in Scientific Reports.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36368-x
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gender Roles in Ancient Society
What is the significance of the ‘Ivory Lady’ discovery in the Iberian Copper Age?
The discovery of the ‘Ivory Lady’ is of immense significance as it challenges previously held assumptions about gender roles in the ancient Copper Age society of Iberia. This finding underscores the potential for women to occupy high-status leadership roles during that time.
How was the gender of the ‘Ivory Lady’ determined?
The gender of the ‘Ivory Lady’ was determined through a meticulous analysis of peptide fragments found in the teeth. The presence of the AMELX gene, associated with female gender, indicated conclusively that the individual was a woman.
What artifacts were found in the burial site of the ‘Ivory Lady’?
The burial site of the ‘Ivory Lady’ contained a remarkable array of valuable artifacts, including ivory tusks, high-quality flint, ostrich eggshells, amber, and a rock crystal dagger. These items shed light on her high-status position in the society.
How does the ‘Ivory Lady’ challenge prevailing notions of societal hierarchy?
The ‘Ivory Lady’ challenges the notion that high-status individuals in the Copper Age society were exclusively male. Her prominent burial, along with the absence of infant burials with grave goods, suggests that status was achieved through merit and accomplishment rather than solely through birthright.
What does the presence of the ‘Ivory Lady’ burial site imply about women’s roles in the ancient society?
The presence of the ‘Ivory Lady’ burial site, along with another lavish burial site nearby containing at least 15 women, indicates that women held authoritative positions and potentially leadership roles in the Iberian Copper Age society.
How does this discovery contribute to our understanding of history?
This discovery challenges our understanding of gender roles and societal structures in ancient times. It highlights the need to reevaluate assumptions and recognize the complexity of historical societies, where women could play significant roles in leadership and influence.
More about Gender Roles in Ancient Society
- Scientific Reports article
- Archaeological Discoveries
- Iberian History
- Gender Roles in Ancient Societies
