In what appears to be the earliest evidence of dentistry tools,
   archaeologists on a dig in Pakistan have found signs thata
   sophisticated group of people lived in Mehrgarh, Baluchistan,
   between 8,000 and 9,000 years ago. They cultivated crops,
   kept livestock and made elaborate jewellery from shells,
   amethyst and turquoise ­ and, apparently, they also drilled holes
   in teeth.

   New Scientist reports today that ... Dr Cucina from the
   University of Missouri-Columbia, who specialises in dentition,
   and her colleagues from Italy and France investigated the holes.

   Electron microscope examination showed that the holes were
   too round to have been caused by random bacteria. But they
   did show concentric grooves ­ which could mean they were left
   by a drill with a tiny stone bit.

   Dr Cucina said a filling made of plants or other substances might
   have been put in the holes to prevent bacterial growth. But it
   would have disappeared long ago. That would fit with other
   archaeological discoveries in Germany and Scandinavia four
   years ago, which found that ["primitive"?] humans used roots and
   natural tars to produce objects that they could chew.

   The holes in the Mehrgarh people's teeth were the same size as
   those in the beads that the people used ­ giving an obvious
   source for their skills and tools.

   Dr Cucina said: "At this point we can't be certain, but it is very
   tantalising to think they had such knowledge of health and
   cavities and medicine to do this."

   By Charles Arthur, Technology Editor
   12 April 2001
   "The Independent" an English broadsheet

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    "Perceptions note:

    We find the dates suggestive

    see http://www.perceptions.couk.com/westward.html#sphi

    as some innovative thinkers - decried by mainstream scientists
    and so-called "Egyptologists" - are finally using logic and real
    science to posit a period from 8,000 to 12,000 years ago
    as being likeliest end-time for a technologically advanced 
    culture or even world-wide civilization.

    Some evidence for high technology in "pre-historic" times
    is at "westward.html" and its references. We feel that it 
    warrants investigation, as does the disappearance of these
    culture(s). Seemingly the evidence is balanced betweeen a
    sudden catastrophic impact (comet, asteroid) or a more gradual
    but equally drastic climatic change (maybe sun-influenced).

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              FURTHER REFERENCES

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