2,200 years old Chinese buried exposes a woman with toxic red-stars

A buried site in Northwestern China has revealed the remains of a woman with an unusual feature – her teeth were painted with cineber, which was a toxic red mineral made of mercury and sulfur. The tomb of 2,200 to 2,050 years ago was found in Trana City, Shinjiang along with a major Silk Road trade route. Archaeologists identified the remains as belonging to the Gushi people, who are known for their horse riding culture. The importance of cinebar-preyed teeth in ancient societies is not previously documented.

First recorded case of cineber on teeth

According to a study published in archaeological and human science, it is the first known example of cineber which is being applied to human teeth. Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Kian Wang told Live Science that no other ancient burial worldwide has performed the exercise. The analysis of the red pigment conducted through spectroscopy methods confirmed the presence of an animal protein, possibly egg yolk or egg white to facilitate the application.

Potential cultural and rituals

The purpose behind the red pigment is not clear. Experts suggest connections of cosmetic practices, social status, or embarrassing rituals. Other burials of the region have shown evidence of facial paintings and tattoos, which shows the possibility of broad body adornment traditions. The Xinjiang region does not have a natural cineber deposit, which means that the substance was imported, possibly from West Asia, Europe or other parts of China.

Health risk of cineber exposure

Lee Sun, Professor of Geology at Colin College, noted the possible health risks associated with the use of cineber. The mercury exposure is associated with neurological damage, yet no mark of mercury poisoning was found in the woman’s bones. The frequency and duration of the exposure remains uncertain.