Keywords
Altun Ha; microwear; social identity; optical microscopy; dental decoration
Abstract
The ancient Maya practiced dental modification, intentionally filing, incising, and inlaying stones into the front teeth, potentially to display identity and status. The literature surrounding Maya dental modification tends to overlook mechanical aspects of the process, and many studies approach dental modification through limiting or destructive means. Optical microscopy presents an adaptable, cost-effective option for closer inquiry. Preliminary research suggests the process of dental modification leaves distinct patterns of tool use, depending on style, that can be identified through optical microscopy. The sample selected includes 25 incisors and canines from 14 Classic period Maya individuals from Altun Ha, representing 12 types of dental modification. Tooth surfaces with modification were molded in a non-destructive, high-resolution silicone, and molds were imaged using a ZEISS Smartzoom 5 digital optical microscope. Micropolish, lipped and rounded modified edges, and linear and concentric striations could be identified on the imaged surfaces. The presence of differing marks indicates they can be associated with broad categories of dental modification, physical motion involved in modification, and the potential class of tools employed in the process. These findings provide a more granular understanding of processes behind the cultural display of identity and status among the Maya of Altun Ha. Future investigation using modern tooth samples and reconstructed tools may further assist with linking specific tool materials to dental modification types.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Freidline, Sarah
College
College of Sciences
Department
Anthropology
Thesis Discipline
Anthropology
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
STARS Citation
Cook, Channing M., "Tools and Trends: An Analysis of Maya Dental Modification" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 254.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/254
Rights Statement
