[Aztlan] Mesoamerican dental practices

[michael ruggeri]

Listeros,

An INAH study of 2,500 pieces in the mutilated teeth collection  
maintained by INAH has confirmed that Mesoamericans had advanced  
techniques for altering teeth for cultural practices. Mesoamericans  
were carving, notching, perforating and placing precious stones into  
teeth far back in history. Most Mesoamerican cultures used these  
alterations and all classes in Mesoamerica did this. An obsidian drill  
was used for most of the dental work. The participants were given  
anesthetic beverages and adhesives were used to glue on jewels. The  
adhesives were made from a mixture of copal, herbs, crushed bones and  
mineral powder. The dental practices were precise and avoided contact  
with the tooth's pulp.

INAH has the story here;
http://dti.inah.gob.mx/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=39&Itemid=150

A tiny URL;
http://tinyurl.com/5hnjp5

Erik Boot posted the story in Spanish here;

Erik Boot's Ancient  Mesoamerican News Updates
http://ancient-mesoamerica-news-updates.blogspot.com/

Mike Ruggeri

Mike Ruggeri's The Ancient Americas Breaking News
http://web.mac.com/michaelruggeri