Chinese researchers find ancient skeleton with nose removal marks
A team of scientists in China and the US announced the discovery of a female skeleton from the Yuan or Ming dynasties showing evidence of nose amputation.
Discovery of criminal punishment remains
Historical records describe nose cutting as one of the five punishments used in ancient China. Physical proof of this specific penalty had been missing until this recent announcement. The skeleton dates between 1298 and 1404 according to the researchers.
Evidence links case to theft
The amputation marks suggest the individual faced a criminal sentence for stealing cattle. This finding confirms that such severe mutilation occurred under documented penal systems. The accumulation of severed noses was once common during the Qin dynasty.
Study team includes international members
Researchers from both China and the United States collaborated on this analysis. Their work provides the first physical evidence supporting historical accounts of the practice.
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