Bones

There are two bone samples you can examine. They are both skulls of residents of Copán. Both were found buried a few miles from Copán's center (or acropolis). What do these clues reveal about Copan? Record your thoughts in your journal.

Skull #1 This skull shows evidence of severe anemia, which probably killed this Copán citizen. The spongy-looking areas at the back of the skull are caused by a lack of iron in the diet. This person suffered from malnutrition. 80 percent of the skeletons found at Copán show evidence of anemia.		Skull #2 This skull shows evidence that the head was wrapped during childhood to form it into a shape that was pleasing to the ancient Maya. The teeth have also been carved into an intricate pattern, something that was done by Maya of the upper social classes. Spongy-looking areas at the back of the skull show that this Maya noble had anemia.