A recent study conducted by a group of bioanthropologists from Spain and the USA examined 15 fragments of human skulls found in the territory of prehistoric settlements in Catalonia, near Barcelona. The article published in the journal Trabajos de Prehistoria discussed the idea that the practice of decapitation was more widespread to the south than previously thought.
Previously, findings confirming this ritual had only been discovered north of the Llobregat River, where the Indigetes and Laietani tribes lived. However, the skulls found in the settlements of Olerdola and Moli d'Espigol, located south of the river and belonging to the Sesetani and Ilergetes tribes, also indicate the presence of this ancient practice.
The study showed that the skull fragments found in Olerdola belonged to one boy or adolescent aged between 8 and 15 years. At the same time, the fragments found in Moli d'Espigol belonged to three different individuals, including a young man.
It is important to note that the lower parts of the skulls were missing, which is why direct evidence of decapitation has not been preserved. Nevertheless, scientists were able to determine the type and direction of the blows inflicted with sharp tools to separate the head from the body.
The skull from Olerdola showed traces left by a very thin tool, likely a needle. Similar marks had previously been found on skulls from other Iberian sites north of the Llobregat River, as well as on archaeological objects in France and the UK. These marks indicate that not only the scalp but also soft tissues from the face were removed from the head.
Analysis of organic residues adhering to the skull from Olerdola revealed the presence of biomarkers of animal and plant fats, such as pine resin and oils. Scientists suggest that these substances were used to treat the head during the ritual.
By comparing the composition of the soil adhering to the bones from Olerdola with samples of fauna and plants from the surrounding area, researchers were able to determine the origin of the boy or adolescent. The results of strontium isotope analysis showed that this individual was not a local resident and may have arrived in Olerdola shortly before his death, or his remains were transported there after death.
The location of the found skulls also confirms their connection to the decapitation ritual. For instance, the skull fragments from Olerdola were found on the first floor of one of the two towers marking the entrance to the settlement. The remains from Moli d'Espigol were located in a space that was architecturally unique and potentially symbolic for the local inhabitants, researchers emphasize.
Thus, the results of the study confirm that the Iberian and Celtic peoples had a ritual associated with displaying the skulls of enemies as a symbol of strength and power in public places.
