In an extraordinary archaeological find, a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists, historians, and prehistory specialists has uncovered the largest single-burial assemblage of beads ever found at an ancient burial site in southern Spain. This discovery, detailed in a paper published in Science Advances, reveals new insights into the Tholos de Montelirio site, a megalithic tomb dating back approximately 5,000 years. The team, working across several Spanish institutions, made the discovery during recent digs at the site, which is located in the southwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Tholos de Montelirio: A Site of Ancient Significance
The Tholos de Montelirio is a megalithic burial site in the region of Castillo de la Duquesa, situated in the province of Huelva, Spain. The site, first discovered in 1868, has been the focus of sporadic investigations for over a century but was largely abandoned for many years before receiving serious attention beginning in 1980. The tombs at Montelirio are believed to have been used between 2875 and 2635 BC, a period during which the site likely served as a communal burial ground for the elite of the surrounding region.
The site consists of a series of megalithic tombs, known as tholos, a type of burial chamber that was typically constructed with large stone blocks arranged in a circular or beehive-shaped structure. These tombs were used for generations, and Montelirio’s layout suggests it was an important ritual center for the local society. Many of the tombs contain the remains of multiple individuals, and some are accompanied by a wealth of artifacts, including jewelry, pottery, and tools. However, it is the newly discovered tomb, located approximately 100 meters from the renowned “Ivory Lady” grave, that has captured the attention of the scientific community.
The “Ivory Lady” and the New Findings
The “Ivory Lady” is a famous burial from Montelirio, named for the ivory comb and elephant tusk found among the artifacts accompanying her remains. She is believed to have belonged to an elite class, with evidence suggesting that she was an individual of high social standing. Her tomb, which dates to the same general period as the new find, contained a variety of extravagant artifacts, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship and material wealth of the time.
In this new study, the team examined the remains found in a nearby tomb—again, a megalithic burial structure. Inside the tomb, researchers uncovered the remains of 20 individuals, 15 of whom were confirmed to be women. While the gender of the other five could not be determined with certainty, the discovery of a significant number of beads within the tomb suggested that these women were likely of particular importance within their society.
The Beads: A Monumental Discovery
The most striking feature of this new find is the unprecedented number of beads recovered from the tomb. The archaeologists estimate that the tomb contained more than 270,000 beads, each of which was carefully crafted from seashells. These beads were intricately shaped and bored through the center, allowing them to be strung together into clothing or garments.
The sheer quantity of beads is what makes this discovery so significant. The total number represents the largest single-burial assemblage of beads ever found in any archaeological site worldwide. While beads are common finds in burial sites, especially in the context of early burial practices, this particular collection is unparalleled in size. The beads were likely used as a form of ornamental clothing or funerary attire, possibly serving as symbols of status or social standing for the women interred within the tomb.
The beads were carefully crafted from seashells, which would have been sourced from the nearby coastline. The process of shaping these beads would have required considerable effort and skill. In fact, researchers note that each bead would have taken approximately 10 minutes to produce. Given the volume of beads found, the team estimates that producing the full collection would have required approximately 10 individuals working 8 hours a day for 206 days—a monumental undertaking.
The Significance of the Beads: Social Status and Rituals
The enormous number of beads found in the tomb suggests that the women buried there were of particularly high status. The beaded garments likely served as an indication of their elite position within society. The fact that so much labor went into their production points to a deeply ritualized and symbolic role for the beads, which may have been worn during religious or ceremonial activities.
Archaeologists speculate that the presence of so many beads may indicate that these women were involved in a specialized social group—perhaps as priests, spiritual leaders, or noblewomen—whose roles were central to the ritual practices of their community. The production and use of such elaborate beadwork may have been a way to demonstrate wealth, power, and influence.
Moreover, the elaborate burial practices associated with this site suggest that the people of Montelirio placed great importance on the afterlife and rituals of remembrance. The inclusion of beads and other luxury items, such as ivory, points to a society that valued not only the material wealth of the living but also the symbolic and ceremonial significance of death and burial practices.
Labor and Social Implications
One of the most intriguing aspects of this discovery is the insight it offers into the labor dynamics of ancient societies. The scale of bead production required to assemble the 270,000 beads found in the tomb indicates a highly organized effort—one that would have involved a significant amount of cooperation and coordination. Given that it is unlikely such a large number of beads could have been made by a single family or small community, it suggests the existence of specialized labor or possibly a craftsman class dedicated to the production of these beads.
This monumental task would have demanded a workforce, specialized tools, and ample resources, making the production of such beads a considerable economic and social undertaking. The effort involved in their creation implies that the individuals buried in the tomb were not just wealthy but likely held a central role in the social structure of their time.
Implications for Understanding Prehistoric Societies
The discovery at Tholos de Montelirio provides valuable new insights into the social and cultural practices of prehistoric communities in southern Iberia. The extensive use of beads in burial contexts, combined with the enormous quantity found in this particular tomb, offers a glimpse into the intricate belief systems and rituals of early societies.
The research also contributes to our understanding of how status and power were expressed in prehistoric Iberia. The labor-intensive production of beads and the emphasis on decorative clothing as part of burial practices underscore the importance of material culture in signaling social rank and religious beliefs.
Additionally, this find challenges our perceptions of the technological and social capabilities of ancient communities. The scale of the bead production indicates not only the advanced craft skills of these early people but also their social organization and ability to mobilize large labor forces to complete such intricate projects.
More information: Leonardo García Sanjuán et al, A multi-analytical study of the Montelirio beaded attires: Marine resources, sumptuary crafts, and female power in copper age Iberia, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp1917