Long ago, Ice Age Europeans as young as 10 years old rocked cheek piercings! They had strange wear on their teeth, with enamel worn down on the side. This was because of labrets, or piercings on their cheeks. These piercings showed they belonged to a group. John Willman, an archaeologist, studied skeletons from Central Europe and found these unusual patterns on teeth. Labrets are piercings made from materials like wood or leather that have not survived. Children as young as 10 had these piercings, and adults had more wear on their teeth from larger labrets. Labrets were a way for the Pavlovians to show they belonged to a group and were seen as a sign of social identity. However, they could also cause damage to teeth and gums if not done correctly. Piercings could make teeth move or cause crowding in the mouth. This discovery excites scientists because it gives insight into ancient cultures and their complex behaviors. The next step is to look at artifacts from Ice Age sites to see if evidence of labrets was missed before. The study of labrets in ancient cultures like the Pavlovians helps researchers understand how personal and social identities changed over time. It's like solving a mystery from the past!