Woman’s skull likely proof of ancient nose amputation, says College of Dentistry professor
This story was updated to include the current name of the institute.
Dr. Qian Wang, professor in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, identified what he and other researchers believe is likely one of the first examples of an ancient nose amputation. It’s from the skull of a woman who lived in central China about 700 years ago.
Ancient legal texts describe nose and limb amputations as forms of criminal punishment, along with decapitation, facial inking/tattooing and castration, according to Wang.
The Yuan Dynasty, which ran from about 1271 to 1368, cut off the noses of those convicted of stealing horses, cattle or other high-value livestock or for repeat theft offenses of lesser livestock. It also was used as punishment for other serious crimes.
Texts document thousands of cases, but this is likely the only known physical evidence of nose amputation, said biological anthropologist Wang. He joined researchers from what’s now Sanmenxia Yangshao Culture Institute in China and nearby Zhengzhou University in their archeological investigation in July 2024 to examine bone pathology, tooth wear and other skeletal markers.
More about their findings will be released in the November issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.
The woman, who may have survived into the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), was the only body buried face downward, indicating she received special treatment to cover her facial disfigurement. Wang said she likely lived a few years after the amputation, possibly wearing some kind of prosthesis.
“Body reduction was the principal form of penal punishment in ancient times,” Wang said. “The survival of amputees, whether they lost their noses, feet or legs, would suggest advanced care procedures to stop bleeding, prevent infection and reduce pain. Thus, this woman received a certain level of medical care and health management.”
The woman was probably in her 40s when she died. Her skeleton was screened and assessed for diseases and trauma, and more skeletons will be screened in the future, Wang said. The original archaeological dig was in 2018.
“Hopefully there will be similar cases to be found in the future in a clearer archaeological context,” he said. “We believe this woman was a kind of castoff after death. She’s buried face-down, suggesting a discriminatory attitude toward her and her circumstances, and she’s buried alone in place without her family or community; in this regard, it could be a decision of disapproval.”
