The quest for our past still holds fascinating enigmas, illustrated by mysterious artifacts that continue to defy archaeologists' conventional explanations.
The Neolithic stone spheres of Scotland
Discovered mainly in Scotland, Neolithic carved stone spheres, dated between 3200 and 2500 BC, continue to baffle specialists. These objects, often found near graves and settlement sites, are decorated with varied patterns ranging from spirals to concentric shapes.
The meaning of the patterns:โ Some researchers believe that the patterns may have ritual or symbolic meaning.โ Other hypotheses suggest a practical use, perhaps in games or as measuring tools.
The enigma of their function: โ No theory has yet been unanimously accepted, and these spheres remain among the most curious objects of Neolithic archaeology.
Folkton Drums
Folkton drums, also dated to the Neolithic period, have been discovered in children's graves in North Yorkshire and other parts of the UK. Despite their name, it is unlikely that they were used as musical instruments, as they show no signs of wear characteristic of such use.
Hypotheses about their use:โ Some archaeologists suggest that they could have served as standardized measures of length.โ Another possibility is that they had a ceremonial or ritual function.
Uncertainty persists:โ The lack of consensus on their exact use makes them particularly intriguing pieces of our archaeological heritage.
Roman dodecahedrons
Roman dodecahedrons, made of copper alloy and dating between 43 and 410 AD, have been found in several provinces of the ancient Roman Empire. These objects of varying sizes have a unique shape with twelve pentagonal faces, but their function remains unknown.
Distinctive features:โ They show no signs of wear, complicating hypotheses about their use.โ Some believe they may have served astrological or divinatory purposes.
Unsolved mystery:โ The diversity of theories, ranging from military use to measuring instruments, shows how mysterious these objects remain.
Romano-British cosmetic molinillos
Dating between 100 and 200 BC, Romano-British cosmetic molinillos also intrigue researchers. These mortars, often decorated with motifs of aquatic birds and cattle, could have been used to prepare various substances such as medicines, cosmetics, or narcotics.
Analyzes and difficulties:โ Attempts to analyze the residues found in these objects have not yet succeeded in precisely identifying their contents.โ Their elaborate decoration also suggests a possible symbolic or ritual function.
The enigma of their use: โ Despite the numerous theories, the exact use of these objects still remains to be elucidated.
The โanillos-cerraduraโ of the Bronze Age
The gold โanillos-cerraduraโ, discovered in Ireland, the United Kingdom and France, date from the Bronze Age. These jewels, often found in pairs and decorated with geometric patterns, have been interpreted as narigueras, earrings or hair ornaments.
Challenges related to their use:โ Their design seems too uncomfortable for prolonged use as body jewelry.โ Theories about their function remain speculative due to the lack of concrete evidence.
A persistent enigma:โ These objects demonstrate the complexity of ancient cultural practices and the difficulty of correctly interpreting them with current data.
Captivating conclusion
The study of these fascinating artifacts highlights the richness and diversity of ancient cultures, while highlighting the many questions that still remain unanswered. Each archaeological discovery brings its share of mysteries, and it is this incessant quest for understanding that makes the discipline so captivating.
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