Wearing loved ones close to the heart: Our ancestors made creepy necklaces from human skulls (photo)

In 1914, Swiss amateur archaeologist Ernest Roulin made a discovery that shed light on the traditions and beliefs of our ancient ancestors. Ancient Origins writes that it found two unique amulets made from human skull fragments.

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The history of these amulets dates back to B.C. It dates back to 3500 BC. for example, the Neolithic period – the period when our ancestors were just beginning to engage in agriculture and settle in communities. They are oval shaped and have a hole at one end, perhaps so they can be hung around the neck. They are also finely crafted and have rounded edges, suggesting they were worn as necklaces, similar to the way we wear jewelry today.

Roulin found these amulets in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, which is associated with the Middle Neolithic period. It is noteworthy that only a few of these amulets have been found in Switzerland, which makes them incredibly rare.

Ernest Roulin and other archaeologists suggest that these amulets were created from fragments of human skulls of the dead. These pieces were then carefully drilled and polished to make pendants. One theory is that people wore these amulets to gain power or protection from the world of the dead, or perhaps to remember and honor deceased members of their community.

But there is another, more disturbing theory, proposed by French anthropologist Paul Broca. Broca suggests that the skulls were pierced before death, as during trepanation. It was one of the oldest surgical procedures, dating back to the Neolithic period. It involved drilling a hole into a living person’s skull to treat a variety of ailments such as seizures, headaches, infections, or fractures.

In ancient times, some believed that diseases were caused by trapped spirits, and drilling a hole in the skull was seen as a way to release these spirits into the wild. According to Broca’s theory, those who survived trephination were thought to have skulls with special features. After a person died, skull pieces were taken and turned into amulets. It was believed that these amulets bring good luck, repel evil spirits, and protect the owner and his family.

The use of human remains, such as skull amulets, for protection or good luck is not limited to this time and place. Similar artifacts made from human remains, such as perforated teeth, were also unearthed during archaeological excavations in Greece and Anatolia.

There is a tradition in Tibet of using Kapal skullcaps in ritual practices. Kapals, meaning “skull” in Sanskrit, serve as ritual vessels resembling bowls made of skulls. They are used in Hindu and Buddhist tantra rituals. These Kapals are often intricately carved and decorated with precious metals and gemstones.

While it may seem unusual to us to wear or display human body parts in this way, it is important to note that even today some people keep urns filled with human ashes on their stone shelves as a way of maintaining physical connection with their deceased loved ones.

This archaeological find offers an unusual insight into the beliefs and practices of our ancient ancestors, from the use of amulets made from human skulls to the ancient surgical technique of trepanation. It’s a reminder of how our ancestors coped with life, death, and the supernatural, and how these practices continue to shape our understanding of history and culture.

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