In contrast to the Greek’s wealth of myths but lack of evidence, in Anasazi communities in the American Southwest during the twelfth century CE there is direct evidence of cannibalism, but no myths containing the subject. This may be due to quickly evolving environments and situations as well as possibly feelings of fear associated with these changes. The Ute Lands Archaeological Project excavated three residential pithouses (features 3, 13, and 15) from Cowboy Wash in the Mesa Verde Region from 1992-1998, finding the disarticulated remains of at minimum seven individuals between the three features. In feature three, a minimum of five individuals were discovered, differing in sex and age, containing both an eleven-year-old as well as an old
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The evidence found here matches many of the criteria Turner listed as evidence for cannibalism. The combination of cut marks, lack of respect and proper burial, distinct burning patterns, and disarticulation of remains all point to deliberate processing and consumption of the bodies. The lack of canine tooth marks and the “the light color and excellent surface condition of the bones” indicates that the meat was removed through stewing and boiling and was not scavenged by wild animals after death. On top of the osteological evidence, the discovery of a meat processing tool kit found in the context of the human remains in feature 13 indicates the intentional removal of flesh. After conducting blood residue analysis on several of the tools, two sharp cutting flakes tested positive for human blood. Even with this evidence many people argue that there was “mutilation without intent to consume the remains,” however the discovery of a human coprolite proves this argument incorrect. Discovered in situ in the hearth of feature 15 and confirmed as a human coprolite through its size and shape, it most likely was entirely composed of meat. Scientists analyzed the coprolite through enzyme immunosorbent assay which “revealed the presence of human myoglobin” found “only in skeletal muscles and cardiac muscle cells.” Using a series of experimental tests, researchers discovered that human myoglobin is only present when someone has consumed human meat, revealing that at least one inhabitant of Cowboy Wash consumed human
The evidence found here matches many of the criteria Turner listed as evidence for cannibalism. The combination of cut marks, lack of respect and proper burial, distinct burning patterns, and disarticulation of remains all point to deliberate processing and consumption of the bodies. The lack of canine tooth marks and the “the light color and excellent surface condition of the bones” indicates that the meat was removed through stewing and boiling and was not scavenged by wild animals after death. On top of the osteological evidence, the discovery of a meat processing tool kit found in the context of the human remains in feature 13 indicates the intentional removal of flesh. After conducting blood residue analysis on several of the tools, two sharp cutting flakes tested positive for human blood. Even with this evidence many people argue that there was “mutilation without intent to consume the remains,” however the discovery of a human coprolite proves this argument incorrect. Discovered in situ in the hearth of feature 15 and confirmed as a human coprolite through its size and shape, it most likely was entirely composed of meat. Scientists analyzed the coprolite through enzyme immunosorbent assay which “revealed the presence of human myoglobin” found “only in skeletal muscles and cardiac muscle cells.” Using a series of experimental tests, researchers discovered that human myoglobin is only present when someone has consumed human meat, revealing that at least one inhabitant of Cowboy Wash consumed human