Stone - Age Scandinavia was hardcore , as you might imagine .
Not much is known about Mesolithic Scandinavia , but unexampled findings suggest it was a domain with its fair share of conflict , mutilations , and spike - mounted skulls .
A new study , published in the journalAntiquity , has described a number of mutilated skulls , some of which appear to have been mounted on stake . While mass of cultures throughout the world have place skullson stakes , either as trophies or a “ back off ” signal to foe , this would be the earliest known instance found in Europe .
The 8,000 - year - older skull were excavated several age ago at a lake near Motala in modern - day Sweden . Within this reeking grave accent , archaeologists discovered the remains of nine adults , one newborn child , and legion animals . Seven of the individuals display blunt force psychic trauma to the head . Many of these injuries were on the face of it dished out before end , suggest the people were cared for .
There were also differences in the way males and female person had been wound , although this could be a coincidence . The females had injuries to the back of the head , while the male had injuries to the top of the fountainhead . The localisation of the trauma suggests it was cause by fury , not an chance event . It ’s also clear that the consistency were further mutilated before they decomposed .
“ The events do not appear to be random , but rather a series of witting selection , ” the study take note .
Strangest of all , two of the skulls had a Grant Wood bet still embedded in their skulls ( epitome above ) . The archaeologist can only speculate why , especially as this has not been documented at this time in the local area before . Nevertheless , if other cultures are anything to go by , this is a ceremonial display , perhaps acting like prize skulls .
“ The finding give a more nuanced image of the Stone Age – it was a complex society that shows clear signs of provision and organization , " Anna Kjellström , from Stockholm University ’s Department of Archaeology , explain in astatement .
" Placing head on piles may have been a kind of intimidation tactic to scare away opposition , but we mean that the activity might as well have had a different import for ancient people than today . In any cause , it must have been a stunning and spectacular view , " she added .
