Archaeologists discover 800-year-old bones that were used as musical instruments in the Aztec empire
Archaeologists discovered 29 ancient human bones along the coast of South Texas that had unusual markings, suggesting they may have carried a purpose beyond death.
After performing an in-depth analysis, historians suggested that the group of hunter-gatherers who once lived in the area likely created music by transforming these bones into musical instruments.
Dr Matthew Taylor, who works as a biological anthropologist at Augusta University in Georgia, identified a musical rasp fashioned from a human humerus while studying the artefacts.
As per reports from IFLScience, the item resembled an omichicahuaztli, an instrument used by pre-Hispanic Mexican cultures, including the civilization of the Aztecs.
The bones date back to the Late Prehistoric era (AD 700-1500) in North America, and of the 29, 27 were made from either the arm or the leg, as per the in-depth analysis published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.
The other two were made from rib bones.
"Late Prehistoric South Texas (1300-1528 AD) was characterised by hunter-gatherer habitation," Dr. Taylor wrote.
"Forager peoples lived in the region from Paleoindian times up to and beyond European contact and never adopted agriculture."
The instruments were made using the "groove-and-snap" method, which involves sawing a groove around a bone's circumference before breaking it into two pieces.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No annual fees for life
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
The process includes hours of work and is known to be labour-intensive.
What do the bones signify?
Historical objects made from human bone are often seen as signifying practices like honouring ancestors or displaying war trophies. However, the ones found in this discovery are different.
The musical rasp made from an upper arm bone featured 29 carefully carved notches and decorative geometric patterns. The instrument appeared to have been played by scraping another object along the grooves.
Dr. Taylor speculated the Texan rasp "may represent an emulation of Mexican religious practices."
"Whatever their original provenance, it is quite apparent that the Late Prehistoric inhabitants did not regard the handling of human remains as taboo," he concluded.
"Although some may wish to equate the presence of these artefacts with the existence of cannibalism, this report does not support or refute that hypothesis."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Junk food, alcohol & lack of physical activity linked to infertility, says Patiala-based Punjabi University's study
Patiala: A new research study by Punjabi University, Patiala, has brought to light alarming connections between lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and genetic factors contributing to infertility among couples of reproductive age. The study titled 'Association of environmental factors and gene polymorphism with infertility in couples of reproductive age' has revealed critical insights into the complex interplay of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to infertility among couples. The research, conducted by Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Rajinder Kaur from the department of human genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala, and co-guide Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and integrated approaches to address infertility, a growing concern affecting reproductive-age populations. Mandeep Kaur explained that the study identified key epidemiological and environmental factors, including body mass index (BMI), duration of marriage, low physical activity, occupation, irregular dietary habits, tea and coffee intake, junk food and packaged food consumption, and alcohol intake, as significant contributors to infertility. Notably, altered serum levels of heavy metals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, selenium, uranium, vanadium, and bismuth, alongside cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were associated with a higher risk of both primary and secondary infertility. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Time Could You Save with Clearer Writing? Grammarly Install Now Undo She stated that lower serum levels of iron and zinc were observed in women with infertility, while high copper levels correlated with elevated triglycerides. In men, increased chromium and LDL cholesterol levels were linked to reduced semen quality, further elevating infertility risk. Rajinder Kaur stated that genetic analysis revealed that variants in the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were associated with increased infertility risk in both men and women, while the NR5A1 gene variant (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men. She added that the study also identified gene-environment interactions, particularly involving the MTHFR rs1801133 variant and lifestyle factors such as junk food (9.34%), canned food (10.07%), alcohol consumption (6.32%), and low physical activity (4.64%), which significantly heightened infertility risk. Additionally, the research highlighted a significant correlation between infertility and elevated depression levels among women, emphasising the need for psychological support in infertility management. Preeti Kheterpal said findings advocate for greater public awareness of lifestyle impacts on fertility, promoting healthier dietary choices to improve outcomes. By exploring the roles of heavy metals, biochemical markers, and genetic predispositions, the study provides a deeper understanding of infertility's underlying mechanisms. These insights pave the way for early detection of high-risk pregnancies, timely counselling, and the establishment of specialised clinics focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infertility. The study calls for a holistic approach, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions to address infertility effectively. Vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh congratulated the researchers and supervisors, praising the study's significance. He noted that such research underscored the relevance of academic and research institutions in society and enhanced public trust in these institutions.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Eli Lilly opens tech, innovation centre in Hyd with plans to hire 1,500 in 2-3 yrs
1 2 Hyderabad: Pharma giant Eli Lilly and Company (India) opened its new technology and innovation centre in Hyderabad's Hitech City, spanning 2.2 lakh sq ft. The global capability centre (GCC) already houses around 100-120 employees and plans to accommodate around 1,500 employees by 2026-27. The facility, which also houses a nerve centre connecting all of Lilly's facilities globally, will serve as a strategic hub for advanced digital and technology capabilities and enhance efficiencies across its global operations. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The Hyderabad site will focus on technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, cloud computing, and software product engineering to address global health challenges, Lilly said on Monday. Diogo Rau, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer, Eli Lilly and Co, said the new facility will not be a business processes or IT support hub but a centre of innovation. "This expansion brings together top talent in AI, data science, and engineering to build the digital foundation that will accelerate the discovery and delivery of innovative medicines with Hyderabad offering the perfect blend of deep technical expertise and collaboration," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally Undo Inaugurating the new GCC, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy said it attests to the growing stature of Hyderabad, which is home to nearly 2,000 life sciences companies and accounts for 40% of India's pharma production, as a global life sciences hub. He also outlined Telangana's ambitious economic goals of emerging as a $1 trillion economy in the next decade and contributing 10% to India's projected $30 trillion economy by 2047. Telangana IT & industries minister D Sridhar Babu said after adding around 70 GCCs in 2024-25, the state is now targeting attracting 100 GCCs in 2025-26. He said Hyderabad's Genome Valley and medtech parks have added 1.1 crore square feet of R&D and manufacturing space recently. He also pointed to Telangana's leadership in investment mobilisation with inflows of Rs 3.2 lakh crore in the past 19 months, surpassing states like Gujarat with 2.6 lakh crore and Tamil Nadu with Rs 2.1 lakh crore. He said the govt is also focused on digitally enabling patient records for over 40 million residents.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
4 days of survey detects mosquito larvae in nearly 8,000 Nagpur homes
1 2 Nagpur: A whopping 1,46,509 houses were surveyed across Nagpur in just four days as part of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) civic body's intensified campaign to detect mosquito breeding sites. This translates to an average of 36,627 houses inspected each day by a combined workforce of 1,183 personnel — comprising 1,088 Asha workers and 95 mosquito breeding checkers — working in 8-hour shifts. On average, each staffer covered approximately 31 houses per day, reflecting the sheer scale and speed of the door-to-door survey launched by the NMC from August 1. The drive, aimed at curbing the spread of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, found mosquito larvae in 7,986 homes during the initial days of the survey. A total of 1,088 Asha workers were deployed across the city's 10 zones, with each worker assigned specific localities. Asha workers conducted house-to-house visits to detect mosquito breeding sites such as water coolers, flowerpots, utensils, drums, and discarded containers. Stagnant water in these objects can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes within a week, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. The survey work was supported by NMC's 95 mosquito breeding checkers, who also visited households to detect and destroy larvae. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Countries Are Known for Being the Least Friendly BigGlobalTravel Undo Apart from conducting regular fogging and spraying, NMC is also running public awareness campaigns to encourage preventive measures. While the mosquito breeding checkers covered 20,876 houses and found larvae in 853, Asha workers surveyed 1,25,633 homes and detected larvae in 7,133 — revealing the scale of mosquito breeding hotspots across the city. Together, they also inspected 76,680 containers such as water coolers, drums, buckets, and flowerpots, of which 2,575 were found to be contaminated with larvae. So far, nine cases of dengue and three of chikungunya have been confirmed in the city since July 1. Under the supervision of additional commissioner Vasumana Pant and medical officer Dr Deepak Selokar, the civic body has intensified fogging, spraying, and larvicide application in vulnerable areas, including slums and vacant plots. Mosquito samples are also being tested to identify the diseases they may transmit. Dr Selokar urged citizens to cooperate with NMC teams and ensure no water is left stagnant around homes. "Public participation is crucial in preventing outbreaks. Every household must stay vigilant," he said. INFOBOX-1 Survey and Larvae Detection Data (Aug 1–4, 2025): Mosquito Breeding Checkers: Surveyed 20,876 homes; larvae found in 853 homes Asha Workers: Surveyed 125,633 homes; larvae found in 7,133 homes Total Homes Surveyed: 146,509 Total Homes with Larvae: 7,986 INFOBOX-2 Container Inspections (Potential Mosquito Breeding Sources) By Mosquito Breeding Checkers: 26,992 containers inspected; 415 found contaminated By Asha Workers: 49,688 containers inspected; 2,160 found contaminated
