Prehispanic Maya dental inlays in teeth with open apices: Implications for age of cultural practices

Abstract

The present study analyzes three permanent Prehispanic anterior teeth (one maxillary left central incisor, one maxillary right canine, and one mandibular left lateral incisor) belonging to individuals in the (pre)adolescent 7- to 10-year-old age range sporting one circular jade inlay each in the buccal side of the crown. They are currently part of the skeletal collection housed at the Popol Vuh Museum of the Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala. Age at death was determined by the degree of root formation. Along with gross morphoscopic inspection, each tooth was analyzed by means of X-ray and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to inspect the tooth’s inner structure and pulpal chamber. X-rays and CBCTs confirmed that the roots were still forming, validating the morphoscopic estimation of such young ages at death. More important, they highlighted dentine reactions in the roof of the three pulpal chambers. The physiological responses to the mechanical stress exerted on the teeth from the drilling process show that the individuals were still alive when the jade inlays were embedded in their teeth. This finding contrasts with previous bioarchaeological evidence that suggests the process of inlaying teeth was performed only in individuals close to adult age (18–20 years) and raises questions on the extent to which this cultural practice was indeed limited to adults among the ancient Mayas.