Decapitated Skulls with Nails from Iron Age Spain Indicate Intricate Ritual Customs

Analyses of prehistoric skulls embedded with large iron nails have unveiled a range of ritual practices from Iron Age Spain. These severed heads served various purposes, whether to pay tribute to ancestors within a community or to evoke fear in adversaries. Findings from isotope analysis indicate that some individuals were local, while others had origins in distant areas. The research unveils new perspectives on the selection and display of these skulls, demonstrating that the associated rituals were more intricate than previously understood.

Origins of the Severed Skulls

The study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports details the examination of seven skulls from two archaeological sites located on the southeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Researchers employed strontium isotope analysis to ascertain the geographical backgrounds of these individuals. This method evaluates strontium absorbed during growth, which is indicative of the environmental features of the region.

Ruben de la Fuente-Seoane, an archaeologist from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the study’s lead author, stated in an official press release from the University that the analysis revealed varying outcomes at the two sites. At Puig Castellar, three out of four skulls were identified as belonging to nonlocal individuals, whereas at Ullastret, only one of the three skulls was traced back to outside the community. These results imply that the ritual might have fulfilled different roles depending on the location.

Placement of Skulls Indicates Purpose

As reported, the positioning of the skulls at each site sheds light on their intended functions. At Puig Castellar, nonlocal skulls were found near the outer walls, implying they were showcased to serve as warnings or symbols of superiority over outsiders. Conversely, at Ullastret, local skulls were discovered within dwellings, suggesting they were utilized to honor important community figures.

Historical documentation from Greek and Roman writers notes similar traditions, including the retention of severed heads by Gauls and Iberian mercenaries displaying impaled enemy heads. While this study highlights the varying uses of the skulls, researchers emphasize the need for additional analysis to fully comprehend the complexities of the ritual.