The shaman of Stonehenge changes sex: he was a woman

A discovery has upended long-held assumptions about one of Britain’s most famous Bronze Age burial sites. The so-called "shaman of Upton Lovell," whose remains were found in 1803 near Stonehenge, was actually a woman, according to new genetic analysis. This revelation challenges centuries of belief that the individual buried in the tumulus was a male shaman, a figure associated with spiritual power and craftsmanship. The skeleton, dating back approximately 4,000 years, was discovered in a burial mound located just over 16 kilometers from Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Initially identified as a robust man based on the size of his bones, the individual became known as "the shaman of Upton Lovell." For nearly two centuries, this name persisted, even as the body was displayed in museums as a man with a beard, reinforcing the image of a powerful, possibly mystical figure. The identification remained largely unchanged until recent genetic testing revealed otherwise. The DNA analysis, originally conducted to trace the individual's ancestry, unexpectedly uncovered evidence of female chromosomes, specifically, XX. To ensure accuracy, researchers examined samples taken from the skull, a tooth, and a foot bone, confirming consistent results. There was no indication that multiple individuals' remains had been mixed together, ruling out contamination or misidentification. The findings have led to a complete reassessment of the identity and role of the person buried at Upton Lovell. The woman, who lived to be around 45 years old, stood approximately 1.65 meters tall, a considerable height for someone from the Bronze Age. Her physique suggests she was physically strong, likely engaged in manual labor. Evidence of arthritis in her right wrist, but not the left, indicates she may have used her dominant hand extensively during prolonged work. These physical characteristics align with the idea of someone skilled in crafting tools or other objects requiring precision and strength. The burial site itself was notable for its rich array of artifacts, which contributed to the individual’s reputation as a shaman. Among the items placed alongside the body were stone tools, a battle axe, metalworking implements, a calibration stone for assessing metal quality, and a decorated leather pouch containing boar tusks. Additionally, fossilized sponge cups and numerous perforated animal bones were found. These items suggest a complex ritual context, though there is no direct evidence that the woman performed religious or shamanic functions. Further research into the tools has also reshaped understanding of the individual’s possible occupation. A 2022 study using microscopic examination found traces of gold and signs of wear consistent with multiple stages of metalwork, including hammering, polishing, and finishing extremely thin sheets of gold. This suggests the individual may have specialized in creating decorative items, such as ornaments, by applying gold to wooden, bone, or copper cores. Such skills would place the person among the elite artisans of their time. While the discovery has sparked renewed interest in the life and significance of the woman from Upton Lovell, it has also prompted broader discussions about gender roles in ancient societies. Some scholars argue that the presence of a highly skilled and respected woman in a position traditionally associated with men challenges simplistic views of Bronze Age social structures. Others caution against drawing sweeping conclusions, emphasizing the need for further archaeological and historical investigation. Regardless of interpretation, the findings underscore how much can still be learned about our past through scientific methods applied to ancient remains.