Doctor: Human Skull Found In Mpls. Park From 19th Century

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A human skull discovered in a Minneapolis park in early March is likely from the 19th century, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.

Forensic anthropologist Dr. Susan Myster says she compared the skull against known populations' skull shapes and sizes and determined the skull is most similar to the mixed heritage populations from the 19th century. More specifically, the data indicated the skull is that of a 30- to 45-year-old man who was of both European and African ancestry.

According to Myster, the condition of the man's teeth revealed that the man had poor dental health and likely no access to modern dentistry. There were signs of a number of untreated tooth abscesses in addition to three missing molars that had been lost and healed over.

In an interesting twist, Myster says she found two small holes drilled in the skull. She's not sure why the holes were drilled in the skull because the skull is not an anatomical model that would be found in an educational setting.

Walkers discovered the skull in the Minnehaha Park off-leash dog park on March 8. It was found near a wet area where there is a natural spring.