10 Ancient Body Modification Practices

A burial found in a 6th to 8th century AD medieval cemetery in northern Italy revealed a male warrior who may have had a knife as a hand prosthesis. His right forearm and hand had been amputated, though the reason for this is unknown.

In his grave, a D-shaped buckle and remains of leather were found at the point of amputation along with a large knife. Additionally, his teeth had been worn down on the right side of his mouth and his right shoulder joint was unusually shaped. This has lead researchers to believe that the man used his teeth to tighten the prosthesis.