Archaeologists from the Smithsonian Institution and the Jamestown Rediscovery Project announced evidence of survival cannibalism during the winter of 1609-10 in historic Jamestown, Virginia. The findings answer long-standing questions about the occurrence of such a practice. <br />
Cannibalism evidence in historic Jamestown —
Archaeologists from the Smithsonian Institution and the Jamestown Rediscovery Project announced evidence of survival cannibalism during the winter of 1609-10 in historic Jamestown, Virginia. The findings answer long-standing questions about the occurrence of such a practice.
Don Hurlbert
Experts recovered bone fragments they identified as being from a 14-year-old girl. They were able to reconstruct her facial features, as shown here.
Cannibalism evidence in historic Jamestown —
Experts recovered bone fragments they identified as being from a 14-year-old girl. They were able to reconstruct her facial features, as shown here.
Don Hurlbert
They identified a number of features on the skull and tibia that indicated the individual was cannibalized.
Cannibalism evidence in historic Jamestown —
They identified a number of features on the skull and tibia that indicated the individual was cannibalized.
Don Hurlbert
Researchers found numerous traces of violence on human bodies. This skull received a series of deep, forceful chops from a small hatchet or cleaver.
Cannibalism evidence in historic Jamestown —
Researchers found numerous traces of violence on human bodies. This skull received a series of deep, forceful chops from a small hatchet or cleaver.
Don Hurlbert
Historians refer to this dark period of the colony as "the starving time," a period during which almost 80% of the colonists died. This 2012 photo shows several sharp cuts to the bottom of a mandible.
Cannibalism evidence in historic Jamestown —
Historians refer to this dark period of the colony as "the starving time," a period during which almost 80% of the colonists died. This 2012 photo shows several sharp cuts to the bottom of a mandible.
Don Hurlbert
The Smithsonian team used stereo-microscopic imagery to reveal the wounds, such as these sharp cuts on the bottom of a mandible.
Cannibalism evidence in historic Jamestown —
The Smithsonian team used stereo-microscopic imagery to reveal the wounds, such as these sharp cuts on the bottom of a mandible.
Scott Whittaker