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Human Skeletal Remains: Excavation, Analysis, Interpretation 2
... The more conservatively estimated MNI, one that only uses teeth with fully closed apices, for individuals above the age of 13 years is 33 using the left mandibular second molars. Of the MNI estimated using the right mandibular second molars, 32 were confirmed to have fully formed apices, meaning that approximately 32 individuals were at least 15 years old ± 30 months (Ubelaker 1989). Such an estimate is more conservative in calculating MNI but increases the threshold age. ...
... It is well established that biological age and chronological age are not necessarily the same (Couoh 2017); however, in the estimation of age in bioarchaeological and forensic contexts, investigators will use skeletal age markers to define their threshold between adults and subadults. In conventional methods for MNI estimation, if a bone used in estimation is fragmented but any epiphysis present is fused, it is categorized as "adult" and treated as such in MNI estimations (Adams and Konigsberg 2004;2008;Knüsel and Outram 2013;Osterholtz et al. 2014) even when, for example, a distal epiphysis in a humerus fuses before the age of 15 (Ubelaker 1989). However, we recognize that an age of 11 years and an age of 15 years are markedly different biologically, chronologically, and socially. ...
... Inventory includes estimation of the maximum age at which the tooth is still present in the dental arcade. Ubelaker (1989) ...
Teeth are the most resilient hard tissue recovered in archaeological contexts. Often teeth may be the most well-preserved, or even the only, remains found. This is especially true of commingled contexts, where many of the skeletal elements may be fragmented beyond identification. This fragmentation makes the recording of an accurate minimum number of individuals (MNI) challenging. Excavations at the site of Patakfalva-Papdomb, Transylvania, Romania encountered an ossuary containing fragmented commingled skeletal remains. Fragmentation and taphonomic damage has made calculations of MNI challenging in this context. However, teeth were consistently found and identified in relatively good condition. As a result of their preservation, an MNI count was attempted through tooth identification and analysis. This process was conducted in a four-step process of sorting in which teeth were classified by adult or deciduous, type of tooth, maxillary or mandibular as well as side. Next, the teeth were evaluated for age estimation by root apex closure when present and finally MNI was assessed taking into consideration the potential overlap of deciduous and permanent teeth. From this method, a likely MNI of 62 individuals over the age 13 (±2 yrs) and 20 individuals under the age of 10 were recorded, which correlates with the MNI calculated from postcranial elements. We therefore present this method as an alternative to determining MNI in highly fragmented and/or poorly preserved assemblages.
... Çalışmada cinsiyet belirlemede morfolojik kriterler kullanılmıştır. Kalça kemiği ve kafatası başta olmak üzere bütün kemiklerin gösterdikleri anatomik formlar dikkate alınmıştır (Olivier, 1969;Ubelaker, 1978;WEA, 1980:518-549;Brothwell, 1981). Yaşlandırmada ise; bebek ve çocuklarda uzun kemik uzunlukları, kemikleşme merkezleri, kemiklerin birleşme yaşları ve dişlerin çıkış zamanları dikkate alınırken; genç erişkinlerde epifizyal kaynaşma, üçüncü azı dişlerin çıkış zamanı ve basilar kaynaşma yaş belirleme kriteri olarak kabul edilmiştir. ...
... Erişkin bireylerde ise yaşa bağlı olarak symphysis pubisin kenarlarında, costaların sternal uçlarında, facies auriculariste ve humerus, femur ve clavicula gibi kemiklerin spongiosa yoğunluğunda yaşa bağlı olarak meydana gelen değişiklikler dikkate alınmıştır. Ayrıca, suturların kaynaşma durumları, daimî azı dişlerin çiğneme yüzeyinde meydana gelen aşınmalar da yaşlandırma yapılırken kullanılmıştır (Bass, 1987;Ubelaker, 1978;Olivier, 1969;Brothwell, 1981;Hillson,1998;Kaur ve Jit, 1990:297-305;Szilvassy ve Kritscher, 1990;White, 1991). ...
... Günümüz toplumlarının yaşam tablolarının oluşturulmasında yaş aralıkları birer yıl olarak alınmaktadır. Prehistorik topluluklarda, incelenen topluluğunun görece küçüklüğünden ve yaş belirlenmesinden kaynaklanabilecek hataları giderebilmek amacıyla yaş aralıkları 5 yıl olarak değerlendirilmektedir (Ubelaker, 1978). Minnetpınarı iskelet topluluğunun yaşam tablosunun oluşturulmasında Ubelaker'ın verdiği formüller kullanılmış ve yaş aralıkları 5 yıl olarak seçilmiştir. ...
Paleodemografi, insanın ilk insanlaşma sürecinden günümüze gelinceye kadar yaşayıp yok olmuş toplumların doğum, ölüm, populasyon büyüklüğü gibi istatistiki konularını araştıran bilim dalıdır. Paleoantropolojik ve arkeolojik kazılardan elde edilen eski insan topluluklarına ait bireylerin nüfus değerlerinin yeniden ortaya konulması ile insan nüfusunun zamanla gösterdiği sayısal artış ve azalışın, yaşam uzunluklarındaki değişimin ve iç-dış nüfus hareketliliklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Eski dönemlerden beri çeşitli toplulukların iskân yeri olan ülkemiz, paleodemografik araştırmalar açısından bilim dünyasında son derece önemli bir yere sahiptir. Bu yerleşim yerlerinden biri de çalışma konumuzu oluşturan Minnetpınarı toplumudur. Orta Çağ’a tarihlendirilen ve 86 bireyden oluşan bu toplumunu; 8 bebek (% 9.3), 7 çocuk (%8,13), 25 kadın (%29,06), 41 erkek (%47,6) ve 5 cinsiyet belirlenemeyen (%5,81) birey oluşturmaktadır. Bireylerin yaş ortalamaları genel olarak erişkinlerde 31.87, kadınlarda 36.63, erkeklerde 34.58 yıl olarak saptanmıştır. Bu toplulukta bebek ve çocuk ölümleri emzirme çağında annenin yetersiz bakımına, elverişsiz sağlık koşulları ile düzensiz ve kötü beslenmeye; erişkinlerde görülen ölümler ise günlük fiziksel aktiviteye bağlı olarak oluşan eklem rahatsızlarına bağlanmıştır. Kadınlarda özellikle genç ve orta yaş dilimlerinde görülen ölümler doğumda yaşanan risklerden kaynaklı olabileceğini düşündürmüştür. Paleodemografik hesaplamalar ışığında Minnetpınarı toplumunun demografik yapısının ayrıntılı bir şekilde ortaya konulması bu makalenin amacını oluşturmaktadır. Ayrıca bu topluma ilişkin farklı araştırmacılar tarafından farklı konularda yapılan çalışmalar hakkında bilgi verilmeye ve bu verilerin hepsinin birlikte değerlendirilerek Minnetpınarı insanlarının toplumsal yapısı yeniden kurgulanmaya çalışılmıştır.
... In adults, sex and age-at-death were established using standard osteological procedure (Brooks and Suchey 1990;Buikstra and Ubelaker 1994;Lamendin et al. 1992;Lovejoy et al. 1985). In subadults, age-at-death was estimated analyzing bone length and degree of fusion (Cardoso et al. 2014;Irurita Olivares and Alemán Aguilera 2017;Minier et al. 2014;Scheuer and Black 2000;Ubelaker 1984) and the measurement or the stage of formation and eruption of teeth (Ubelaker 1984;Liversidge et al. 1998); sex was not determined. Subadults have been categorized into four age classes: perinatal (40±2 weeks of gestation), 0-4 years (>2 weeks and <4 years), 5-9 years, and 10-18 years (Table S1). ...
... In adults, sex and age-at-death were established using standard osteological procedure (Brooks and Suchey 1990;Buikstra and Ubelaker 1994;Lamendin et al. 1992;Lovejoy et al. 1985). In subadults, age-at-death was estimated analyzing bone length and degree of fusion (Cardoso et al. 2014;Irurita Olivares and Alemán Aguilera 2017;Minier et al. 2014;Scheuer and Black 2000;Ubelaker 1984) and the measurement or the stage of formation and eruption of teeth (Ubelaker 1984;Liversidge et al. 1998); sex was not determined. Subadults have been categorized into four age classes: perinatal (40±2 weeks of gestation), 0-4 years (>2 weeks and <4 years), 5-9 years, and 10-18 years (Table S1). ...
... The simultaneous presence of cribra orbitalia and cribra humeralis/femoralis is observed in almost all affected individuals ( Figures 4C and 5B). In terms of differences in dental vs. skeletal age (Ubelaker 1984), these were detected in 8% of the individuals from the perinatal class, 43% in the 0-to 4-years group, and in 100% of the individuals in the 5-to 9-years group. In the 10-to 18-years group, the percentage decreases to 80% ( Figure 5A). ...
This study examines the Early Medieval local population of Corte Romana (Cividale del Friuli, NE Italy) during the period of Langobard rule of the territory (6th-7th centuries ad). We conducted anthropological and palaeopathological analyses of 54 individuals from Corte Romana, including 38 subadults and 16 adults. Stable isotope analyses (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S) were performed on 52 of these individuals to investigate their dietary patterns and mobility. Palaeopathological data revealed the presence of various health stressors, particularly among subadults, reflecting challenging living conditions and nutritional deficiencies. Stable isotope analysis indicated a consistent consumption of C4 plants, aligning with historical sources, and highlighted a remarkable disparity in the consumption of protein-rich foods between the adult and subadult individuals (especially those between 5 and 9 years of age). When compared to previously published data for Langobard individuals from northern Italy, this dietary disparity becomes more evident, especially for the subadults-a clear indication of sociocultural inequality in terms of access to resources between the existing local subadult population and the new Langobard invaders. This study is particularly significant as previous research in northern Italy during this period has predominantly focused on the Langobards, with little attention paid to the local populations coexisting with them. Our findings therefore contribute to a broader understanding of the dietary habits and social dynamics of the local Roman population in Italy in the Early Middle Ages.
... This sample is housed at the Paleoanthropology working group Osteological Collection of the University of Tubingen (Germany) (G) Trautmann 2012). The age-at-death estimate of these individuals was based on dental and skeletal development described by Trautmann (2012) based on standards derived from Ubelaker (1978) and AlQahtani, Hector, and Liversidge (2010). ...
... Another limitation of our study is the use of different age estimation methods for the three skeletal collections-chronological age for the Bocage collection, Liversidge et al. (2006) for the San Pablo collection, and a combination of AlQahtani, Hector, and and Ubelaker (1978) for the Grevenmacher collection. However, the use of these different methods is unlikely to significantly affect our general conclusions. ...
... Previous studies have demonstrated that the discrepancies between these methods are minimal and fall within an acceptable range for comparative analyses. For instance, AlQahtani, Hector, and Liversidge (2014) reported mean differences between dental and chronological ages of −0.10 years (AlQahtani, Hector, and Liversidge 2010) and − 0.80 years (Ubelaker 1978), while Cardoso (2006) showed similar differences of −0.47 to −0.55 years for the Bocage collection. Additionally, the Liversidge et al. (2006) method has been shown to estimate age with a mean error of −0.21 years (Liversidge, Smith, and Maber 2010). ...
Objectives
The current research delves into the use of 3D geometric morphometric for assessing shifts in maturity within both the proximal and distal humeral metaphyses. It mainly focuses on establishing correlations between these shifts and the shape changes observed in the corresponding epiphyses established through radiographic imaging.
Material and Methods
The total sample comprises 120 right‐side proximal humeral metaphyses and 91 right‐side distal humeral metaphyses. The entire sample was categorized into four maturity groups for the humeral distal metaphysis and five maturity groups for the humeral proximal metaphysis based on the appearance and subsequent changes in shape and size. All humeri were scanned using 3D surface scanning devices. Two different 3D template configurations were created to capture the shape changes during the development of the proximal and distal metaphyses. We conducted an analysis of shape (Procrustes shape coordinates) and an analysis on the form space in order to assess both maturity changes of humeral metaphyses and their interrelationship with size.
Results
The shape changes explained by PC1 are crucial in establishing the maturational sequence in both the distal and proximal metaphyses. These shape changes reflect the appearance and subsequent changes in shape and size of their corresponding epiphyses.
Discussion and Conclusions
There is a considerable overlap among different maturity groups related to the gradual nature of the maturational process. However, shape changes in proximal and distal humeral metaphyses are suitable to assess maturity in skeletal specimens.
... We considered the metrical features of the pars basilaris of the occipital bone, humerus, femur and ilium, along with the degree of dental development (Ubelaker 1989;Scheuer and MacLaughlin-Black 1994;Buikstra and Ubelaker 1994;Schaefer et al. 2009;AlQahtani et al. 2010). We also performed a micro-CT on the left upper canine bud to assess the possible presence of the neonatal line (NL), a line of enamel hypomineralisation that is formed at the time of birth (Sabel et al. 2008). ...
... Regarding the age at death, overall, the metrical data give a more probable age of 38-40 weeks since gestation; the measures of the pars basilaris of the occipital bone are also consistent with a few weeks of life ( Table 2). The tooth buds inside the alveoli of the right hemimandible (i 2 , c, m 1 ) show a degree of development corresponding to 38-40 weeks (Ubelaker 1989;AlQahtani et al. 2010). Overall, our data point to a full-term foetus or new-born. ...
Human sacrifice in archaeological contexts cannot be assessed without evidence of ritual actions. Its actual existence as part of the Etruscan religious rituals, attested especially by classical written reports, is debated among scholars. It is believed that Greek and Roman writers intended to discredit the Etruscans, their enemies in many occasions, by attributing them “barbarian” customs. The main archaeological findings interpreted as human sacrifice are those of Tarquinia but this hypothesis is challenged because it is based only on the presence of burials in an area interpreted as a sacral space. Here we present an interdisciplinary investigation of a human perinatal burial found associated to a wall delimiting the sacred area of Uni’s temple in Marzabotto (Bologna, Italy), an important city of the Etruria padana. Here, evidence of other ritual actions has been found. The skeleton underwent osteological, tomographic and molecular analyses. Radiocarbon dating was also performed. The results indicate the skeleton belonged to a perinatal male of a local origin, buried between the 6th-4th c. BCE. Some long bones display evidence of perimortem treatment with bladed objects. The anthropological evidence is consistent with the hypothesis of a human foundation sacrifice initially proposed on the basis of the archaeological context.
... Skeletons recovered from archaeological contexts encapsulate the collective experiences and circumstances of individuals, representing the most direct archaeological evidence of past populations (Larsen, 2018). Within thisframework, osteoarchaeological analyses of skeletons provide insights into the quality of nutritional resources, the utilization of limited economic resources, lifestyle and activity levels, prevailing health conditions and stressors, genetic histories, population dynamics, and environmental and demographic factors shaping life (Ubelaker, 1989;Larsen, 2002;White & Folkens, 2005;Larsen, 2018). Additionally, teeth, which begin forming in the womb and persist until death, serve as invaluable sources of data regarding accumulated health indicators and stress levels (Martin et al., 2013;Agarwal et al., 2016). ...
... Despite the deformation of skeletal remains from the Harhar Deresi community due to natural conditions, paleoanthropological analyses were carried out at the Anthropology Department laboratory of KAEU (Kırsehir Ahi Evran University, Turkey) ( Table I). Demographic analyses employed various methodologies, including those outlined by Ubelaker (1989), Buikstra & Ubelaker (1994), Kaur & Jit (1990), White et al. (2012), and Çöloglu & Iscan (1998). For paleopathological analyses, methodologies from Mann & Hunt (2012), Mann et al. (2016), Ortner (2003), Aufderheide et al. (1998), Roberts & Manchester (2012), and Lovell (1997) were utilized. ...
Konya Province, one of the most significant Bronze Age settlements in Anatolia, is notable for its unique mounds. Harhar Deresi, located in one of the distinctive plateaus of Central Anatolia, is a pastoral settlement that was overlooked during surface surveys conducted by many researchers due to the region's topographic features. This settlement was first discovered by chance in 2018 during the construction of the Ankara-Nigde Highway and its connecting roads, and a rescue excavation was carried out in part of the site. This study presents paleopathological findings that contribute to an understanding of daily life in a recently discovered settlement from the Early Bronze II period (3000-2700 BC). The research is guided by two primary objectives. Firstly, it seeks to provide a qualitative paleopathological assessment of diseases, informed by observations related to osteoarthritis, trauma, osteoid osteoma, enthesopathy, and supracondylar process syndrome. Efforts have been made to ensure that this study is quantitative by comparing the pathology rates with those of contemporary ancient Anatolian societies. Secondly, the study aimed to understand the general nutrition, health, and socio-economic structure of this society, as revealed by dental anthropological findings. Our research indicates that the population engaged in intensive agricultural activities and followed a low-protein diet, likely due to the demands of strenuous physical labor. Furthermore, this study endeavors to introduce the physiological stress and health conditions experienced by the newly discovered Early Bronze Age population, serendipitously located in the Central Anatolia region, into the academic literature through a bioarchaeological perspective.
... 10. statiis bolos saWiroa yvela avtoris xelmowera, romelTa raodenoba ar unda aRematebodes 5-s. 11. redaqcia itovebs uflebas Seasworos statia. ...
... A device called a craniophor is used to hold the skull still while taking measurements. Other techniques may be used in addition to these instruments to measure angles and other skull dimensions, which aid in identifying the kind of skull and its many attributes [11]. ...
Abstract.
Introduction: This narrative review analyzes differences
between present 3D scanning technologies and traditional
anthropometric methods in cranial morphometry. Reviewing the
literature, we highlight the advantages, disadvantages, and uses
of both techniques in anthropology, medical plastic surgery,
orthodontics, and forensic science. We compared the efficacy of
anthropometric measurement techniques, including 3D scanning
and traditional methods. Craniofacial anthropometry involves
measuring the head and face in living individuals, cadaveric
specimens, and radiological images. Traditional caliperbased methods provide accuracy when performed by trained
professionals but are prone to human error, time-consuming,
and require extensive training. 3D laser scanning emerges as a
more modern, accurate, and non-invasive alternative. It avoids
physical contact and provides repeatable data with accuracy
comparable to calipers. This study examines the differences
between traditional approaches and 3D technology in skull
measurements, highlighting the advantages of digital methods.
Aim of study: To evaluate and compare conventional
manual methods and 3D scanning techniques used in cranial
anthropometry, to highlight their respective advantages,
limitations, and applicability in research and clinical fields
such as anthropology, forensic science, orthodontics, and
maxillofacial surgery.
Material and methods: This study summarizes relevant
studies comparing traditional and digital craniometric methods.
A systematic search using keywords like “conventional
methods craniometry” and “laser scanning craniometry” was
conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion
criteria focused on English-language research articles, reviews,
and studies involving direct or 3D laser-based measurements.
Irrelevant articles were excluded.
Conclusion: Traditional craniofacial measurements using
tools like calipers and osteometric boards rely on physical
contact and are prone to human error, require time, and demand
professional training. Although 3D scanning offers greater
accuracy and efficiency, studies with large sample sizes and
proper comparisons remain limited. This paper explores the
application of both methods in preserving osteological material
and advancing research in anthropology, forensic medicine,
orthodontics, and orthognathic surgery
... By examining how bones develop and change over time, researchers can categorize individuals into child and adult groups. Comparing bone size and growth stages between these groups helps estimate age ranges [46,47]. ...
... To estimate the age of adult skeletons, researchers examine the extent and type of bone deterioration [9,47]. Determining whether a skeleton is from a child, or an adult is crucial for accurate age estimation. ...
Biological profiling is a crucial tool in forensic science, allowing for evaluating biological information from bones found at crime scenes. This method includes assessments of sex, age, stature, and ancestry. Sex assessment is the first step in biological profiling, as it influences other assessments. Age estimation is a particularly challenging aspect. Combining sex and age assessment may improve accuracy in age estimation. Researchers often use the pelvis and skull bones for these assessments due to their prevalence at crime scenes and their higher accuracy in evaluation. However, the talus, a foot bone with robust density, resilience, and resistance to damage, is another bone frequently encountered at crime scenes and may be a valuable subject for study. Medical imaging technology, particularly micro-CT imaging, supports sex and age assessment. Micro-CT images can significantly enhance the accuracy of assessments. The high resolution of these images presents an exciting opportunity for exploration in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI), which has revolutionized forensic science workflows. AI can potentially improve the efficiency and accuracy of sex and age assessment from bones. This article compiles research on past sex and age assessments and evaluations of the talus, including the application of micro-CT images to support these assessments. The aim is to provide a comprehensive knowledge base for studying sex and age assessment from the talus using micro-CT images in conjunction with AI.
... The methods used for traditional age at death estimation differ depending on the overall age category the individual falls into. For subadult individuals the most common methods for estimating age at death observe developmental processes like epiphyseal union (Wolff-Heidegger, 1954), long bone length (Stloukal & Hanáková, 1978) and dental eruption (Bolster et al., 2024;Ubelaker, 1978). Dental eruption methods provide the most accurate estimates in subadults (Boldsen & Milner, 2018a). ...
... In this case the methods used for estimating the age at death of adult individuals of Hallstatt included the facies symphysialis (Brooks & Suchey, 1990;Nemeskéri & Acsádi, 1970;Todd, 1921), cranial suture closure (Nemeskéri & Acsádi, 1970;Rösling, 1977), dental abrasion (Brothwell, 1981), the medial clavicle surface (Szilvássy, 1977) and degenerative change (Stloukal & Vyhnánek, 1975). For estimating the age at death of subadult individuals of Hallstatt, methods based on dental development (Ubelaker, 1978) and long bone length (Stloukal & Hanáková, 1978) were used. Traditional methods were able to estimate the age at death for all 91 individuals. ...
Within this study we investigated the individuals of the Early Iron Age cemetery of Hallstatt in regard to frailty and age at death estimation. In the Early Iron Age Hallstatt played a key role in the production and trading of salt. This brought great wealth and reputation to this region, which made it a leading culture in central Europe in the Early Iron Age period – the Hallstatt culture. For a total of 91 individuals (≥ 14 years) two new methods were applied to assess frailty and to estimate the age at death in a new way. Especially the poor preservation of this osteological sample presents a challenge to almost every method. For the age at death estimation we used the method of Transition Analysis 3 (TA3) created by Milner et al. (2020) and evaluated
the comparability of these estimates with the priorly done age at death estimates created with traditional methods. To compare the frailty between males and females and also younger (≤ 50 years) and older (> 50 years) individuals we used the Biological Index of Frailty (BIF) established by Zedda et al. (2021). When comparing both age at death estimation methods we found, that when focusing on adults older than 50 years traditional methods provide smaller estimation
intervals. However, we came to the conclusion that comparisons of these methods are not feasible with the way the variables were used herein due to preservation issues. Additionally, while
using the BIF we did not find any significant differences in frailty between younger and older individuals and biological sex, while the latter matches with former and other anthropological
findings related to this sample. Nevertheless, when focusing on individual biomarkers, we assume that males and females not only were affected by a similar intensity of physical stress but also there were no significant differences when it comes to environmental stressors like malnutrition. Hence, both biological sexes seem to have had a similar lifestyle.
... This data can be described as a piecewise function dependent on the estimated age, increasing linearly up to 60 years and remaining constant beyond that. The tooth lag time was modeled assuming that the teeth typically erupt by the age of 13 ± 3 years (Ubelaker 1989). ...
Plague and famine are two of the worst killers in human history. Both struck the Czech lands in the Middle Ages not long after each other (the famine of 1318 CE and the plague of 1348-1350 CE). The aim of our study was to try to relate the mass graves found in the vicinity of the Chapel of All Saints with an ossuary in the Kutná Hora-Sedlec site to these two specific events. For this purpose, we used stratigraphic and archaeological data, radiocarbon dating, and Bayesian modeling of 172 calibrated AMS ages obtained from teeth and bones of 86 individuals buried in the mass graves. Based on the stratigraphic and archaeological data, five mass graves were interpreted as famine graves and eight mass graves were interpreted as plague graves. Using these data and the calibration of the radiocarbon results of the tooth-bone pairs of each individual, we constructed the Bayesian model to interpret the remaining mass graves for which no contextual information was available (eight mass graves). In terms of Bayesian model results, the model fits stratigraphic data in 23 out of 34 cases and in all seven cases based on calibration data. To validate the model results on archaeologically and stratigraphically uninterpreted data, ancient DNA analysis is required to identify Yersinia pestis.
... Thermal alterations of bones were documented by anatomical region (e.g., cranial, axial, upper appendicular, lower appendicular, extremities). These thermal variables are predominant color, degree of shrinkage, and fracture pattern, and their analysis provides information on variations in exposure of skeletal elements to the fire, as well as the degree to which the bones were dry when burned (Baby, 1954;Binford, 1963;Brothwell, 1963;Buikstra & Goldstein, 1973;Buikstra & Swegle, 1989;Devlin & Herrmann, 2008;Fairchild, 2005;Fairgrieve, 2008;Gejvall, 1969;Krogman, 1939;McKinley, 1989;Shipman et al., 1984;Symes et al., 2008;Symes et al., 2015;Thompson, 2015;Ubelaker, 1978;Webb & Snow, 1945). ...
Tophets are Phoenician or Punic sanctuaries where cremated infants and young children were placed in urns and ritually interred. Classical and biblical authors and modern scholars have focused on purported ritual sacrifice within these cultures and contexts, regardless of a lack of supporting archaeological evidence for these claims. By contrast, this article explores the postmortem treatment of subadults found in a tophet at the Neo-Punic site of Zitha, near modern Zarzis, Tunisia, reconstructing how individuals were treated at the time of death and if the treatment was tied to issues of care. This is done by analyzing the biological profile of the individuals, thermal alterations generated during burning, and treatment of the body/remains afterwards. We did find evidence that individuals were buried with high levels of postmortem care, including careful burning and placement in the urns. We found no direct evidence of sacrifice for any individual examined.
... The biological profile of adult individuals was estimated based on the skull and pelvic features [44][45][46][47] . The age-atdeath of non-adult individuals was assessed based on the tooth eruption 48 , the degree of the epiphyseal fusion 49 , and length measurements of the long bones' shaft 50 . The skeletons underwent macroscopic analysis to identify and interpret trauma, including the mechanism of the injury and the type of fracture [51][52][53] . ...
Past burial practices can provide insights into the social status of the inhumed and inform us of how the individuals were perceived by their community. Atypical or “deviant” burials may indicate that the deceased was considered an outcast, either due to disease, different provenance, criminal activity, or religious beliefs. To explore the importance of atypical burial practices in medieval and modern Poland, an interdisciplinary study was conducted on three Polish cemeteries (Dzwonowo, Skoki, and Wągrowiec) dating to the 14th -18th centuries CE. Twelve individuals were examined using archaeological evidence, anthropological analysis, and ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis. This study aimed to determine the underlying reasons behind the atypical nature of the burials (i.e., whether the individuals were outsiders, outcasts, relatives, or victims of infectious disease) and shed light on the complex interplay between health, social status, and community perception in medieval and modern Poland. The results revealed that a non-adult male and a middle-aged female, who were holding hands in a double burial in Skoki, possibly died from the plague. Yersinia pestis DNA was recovered from the non-adult individual, making it the third confirmed case of plague in Poland. Using the nonmetric skeletal traits, archaeological assemblage, and aDNA analysis, we identified several individuals as likely “outsiders” in the community. The results of this study expand our knowledge of past societal structures and cultural responses to disease as well as provide crucial context for interpreting burial patterns elsewhere in Europe.
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-04425-2.
... Del estudio antropológico se interpreta que el esqueleto corresponde a un individuo preadulto, de entre 14 y 17 arios de edad -consideración fundamentada en el grado de fusión epifisiaria que es masculino (Ubelaker 1989; Krogman y Iscan 1986). Para la estimación de la estatura sólo ha podido rescatarse la longitud máxima de la tibia -380 mm-que, según las tablas de Manouvrier, supondría una estatura de 1,68 m y, según Trotter y Gleser, 1,74 m (Reverte 1991). ...
This paper presents the study of a Visigothic tomb uncovered during the third phase of archaeological excavations at the Plaza de España in Écija (Seville). The investigation integrates archaeological findings with anthropological analysis and epigraphic evidence, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on the burial and its historical context.
... 38 The advanced wear pattern observed on the front teeth of the 11-12-year-old child (grave 337/479) suggests the possibility of crossbite, similarly to a 40-50-year-old male (358/510). Another distinctive dental wear pattern is related to lifestyle, Boldsen et al. (2002); Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994); Meindl and Lovejoy (1985); Ubelaker (1989); Schinz and Case (1951); Schour and Massler (1941). Scott and Irish (2017). ...
Four pits and a grave group of nine burials were found at the Early Copper Age Tiszagyenda-Vágott-halom in the Middle Tisza Region (Great Hungarian Plain), which shows similarities to contemporary sites in the region. The aim of the study is the preliminary report and detailed description of the findings of the settlement and the grave group. The pottery vessels were the main finds in the pits and the graves. Some form categories, as well as surface treatment and decoration techniques showed uneven distribution between the graves and the pits. In total of nine deceased were found in the burials, one child ( infans II), one juvenile , three females, and four males. The burial rite, grave-goods, and the utilitarian function of the pottery grave-goods probably reflect the social status or gender roles of the deceased individuals. The pathological alterations identified on the skeletons carry important information about their diet and lifestyle.
... Juvenile individuals were aged by assessing dental eruption and osteochondrosis of bones and epiphyses according to avaliable methodology developed by Scheuer, Black & Schaefer (2009) regarding measurements of pars basilaris, fusions of vertebrae and fusions of the pelvis, Black & Scheuer (1996) for measurements of the clavicula. Maresh (1970) was used for measurements of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia and fibula, Molleson & Cox (1993) for measurements of the ilium, Cardoso (2008) for fusions of the pelvis, Garn, Rohmann & Silverman (1967) for epiphyseal fusions of ossa pedis, Birkner (1978) for osseus development of ossa pedis and Ubelaker (1979) for dental eruption and development. ...
Paleodemography is the study of evaluating and reconstructing ancient populations based on the processes of fertility, mortality and migration. In addition, structural variables such as life expectancy, population distribution and population density are included in order to calculate the demography of a given population at a given time. The paleodemographic processes and variables are all dependent on the factors of age and biological sex. Methodology in osteological age estimation has traditionally been unable of estimating accurate ages in older adult individuals, however, developments in the field has yielded improved methods, Transition Analysis 3 being one of these. Transition Analysis 3 uses machine learning, basing the results on regression analysis rather than age mimicry that automates analytical model building. The method has proven greater ability in estimating adult older ages than traditional methods. Traditional methods often use single trait assessment while Transition Analysis 3 use multi trait assessment, making it usable for taphonomically challenged skeletons. Transition Analysis 3 has since its development in the early 2000's been revised and improved twice and the third and most recent version has not yet undergone public extensive testing. Transition Analysis 3 is applied in this study for the purpose of testing the third version of the method as a mean to establish the paleodemography of S: t Nicolai cemetery in 13th-14th century CE Helsingborg. The age of 75 individuals were assessed, 67 of which by using the Transition Analysis 3 method. The results of the age estimations using Transition Analysis 3 indicate that life expectancies were higher than previously reported in European Medieval populations. The paleodemography of the cemetery indicates that the individuals represent a constructed populatory composition stemming from socioeconomic factors and institutionalized burials rather than those of a typical parish. The evaluation of the Transition Analysis 3 method demonstrates validatory methodological prerequisites, however, framework regarding inclusion critera might improve methodological usage and interpretation.
... In the collective Burial 2 ( Fig. 2A), Individual 9 (Ind. 9) was discovered, and their ageat-death was estimated through dental development to be 9 ± 3-month-old (Ubelaker, 1978). Additionally, this individual warranted evaluation using Tilley (2015)'s Bioarchaeology of Care (BoC) model, not only due to the exuberant and extensive pathological porous lesions observed (Solari et al., 2020), but also because of the distinctive funerary treatment (Figs. 2B-D). ...
Individual 9, a 9 ± 3-month-old infant from the Middle-Holocene (6,650-6,170 years
BP) found in Toca do Enoque rock-shelter in Piauí, Brazil, showed significant pathological bone changes and received exceptional mortuary treatment. Previous studies indicated administration of normative parental care and non-normative healthcare, although the differential diagnosis remained vague. This study reexamines the paleopathological diagnosis using X-rays, CT scans, and 3D reconstructions of 10 long bones. Pathological changes included endocranial bone growths and polyostotic, bilateral, and asymmetrical periosteal new bone formation (PNBF) affecting long bones and ribs. The right tibia was the most affected, showing an anteromedial deformity and inside out-perforations with burred, jagged edges. Imaging revealed Harris lines in the left humerus, endosteal bone proliferation in the tibiae, humeri, and right radius, and loss of cortical density in the right tibia. A direct connection between the medullary, subperiosteal, and external spaces suggested characteristics of cloacae or subperiosteal abscesses. Tibial changes suggest an involucrum formation without signs of sequestra, consistent with acute, hematogenous neonatal/infantile osteomyelitis (OM). Although extremely rare, cloacae can arise at early ages under specific circumstances, such as chronic neonatal/infant OM. Delayed pus evacuation, coupled with breastfeeding, resilience, and healthcare may have extended Individual 9’s lifespan and the duration of the infection. This possible case of neonatal/infantile OM is rare and valuable, potentially the youngest documented in Paleopathology and the first in the Americas. However, nonspecific costal and endocranial lesions do not rule out the presence of comorbidities. Expanding the corpus of case studies is essential for refining diagnoses in bioarcheological and paleopathological research.
... Para la obtención de los valores de NISP, NME, MAU y MAU% se consideró a toda la muestra como un único conjunto, sin discriminar en el caso de los elementos óseos entre individuos adultos y no adultos, ya que no fue posible estimar rangos etarios mediante su relevamiento, a excepción del caso de un fragmento de coxal (ver más abajo). Por otra parte, el NMI fue calculado siguiendo dos criterios diferentes: en primer lugar, considerando únicamente el sexo y la edad de muerte de cada uno de los individuos, así como las frecuencias y la lateralidad de cada elemento óseo, contemplando a toda la muestra como un único conjunto (Adams y Byrd, 2008;Osterholtz et al., 2014;Ubelaker, 1989), y en segundo, incorporando información sobre la disposición espacial de los restos identificada mediante fotografías tomadas durante las excavaciones, y con los aportes de información brindada en entrevistas a personas que participaron de dichas intervenciones. A partir de ello, se procedió a dividir el conjunto analizado según su procedencia dentro del área de entierros, quedando conformado por tres submuestras, denominadas: A (individuos provenientes de las urnas), B (individuo del entierro directo simple) y C (individuos del entierro secundario múltiple). ...
This work presents the results of the analysis of human remains and necrosoles recovered at the Mortero Hachado archaeological site (Trancas, Tucumán) between 1996-1999. Due to the limited contextual information and the highly fragmented, mixed, incomplete, and deteriorated osteological assemblage, it was necessary to apply theoretical-methodological strategies to obtain bioarchaeological data of interest in samples with these conditions. A plan for preventive conservation of the remains was implemented and quantitative analyses, and sex and age-at-death estimations were carried out. Given the abundance of teeth recovered compared to osseous elements, the recording of health and metabolic-systemic stress indicators focused on dental analysis. In addition, necrosoles from the burial area were analysed to characterize the burial practices. The analyses revealed a Minimum Number of Individuals of 6 non-adult and adult individuals, inhumed in at least three different funerary modalities, with remarkable differences in oral health and numerous indicators of systemic metabolic stress in all adults. This research represents the first bioarchaeological contribution for the Yungas of the northern region of Tucuman province.
... Age-at-death was, for most cases, recovered from the anthropological reports of the sites under analysis, while co-authors S.C. and F.A.C. have undertaken the archaeological and bioarchaeological study of the Roman sites. For all included populations age ranges were assigned using standards based on tooth formation and eruption 71 , bone fusion 72 and long bone length [73][74][75] . Age categories were defined as follows: fetus (under 28 gestation weeks), perinate (between 28 and 42 gestation weeks), infant (0-1 years), child (1-7), child (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14), adolescent (14)(15)(16)(17)(18) 76,77 . ...
This study examines trends in infant diet, breastfeeding and weaning in Portugal through time in Roman, Medieval Muslim and Christian skeletal assemblages (1st to the 15th century CE). New stable carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) measurements were collected from 143 non-adults and 46 adults that are analysed alongside comparative published datasets from contemporaneous Iberian populations. A statistical package was used to model bone collagen nitrogen isotope data of individuals, quantitatively estimating weaning onset and completion across diverse historical sites. Nutritional intake from infancy to adolescence was reconstructed via Bayesian modelling supported by the OsteoBioR platform using incremental dentine-collagen isotope ratio analysis in six adult individuals. Childhood diets in historical Portugal showed a prolonged weaning time while weaning food included varying degrees of high trophic level protein during both the Roman and Medieval periods. The Bayesian statistical approach offers a comprehensive perspective on child-rearing practices through the lens of diet, including breastfeeding, weaning and nutritional intake during childhood in historical Portugal. The results highlight the variability and complexity of childhood diets over time and between different locations. Overall, the study informs debates about child nutrition practices globally while also offering unique insights into infant nutrition in Iberia over nearly 1500 years.
... For skeletal age-at-death and sex analysis, standard macroscopic techniques were used. Subadult age-at-death was determined using the individuals' dental (AlQahtani et al. 2010;Ubelaker 1989) and skeletal development (Scheuer et al. 2010;Stloukal/ Haná ková 1978). Adult age-at-death estimation was based on cranial and maxillary suture closure (Mann et al. 1991;Vallois 1937), pelvic morphological variations in the pubic symphysis and auricular surface (Brooks/Suchey 1990;Buckberry/Chamberlain 2002), sternal rib end morphology (İşcan et al. 1984), and dental attrition (Brothwell 1981). ...
During the third to mid-second millennia BC in Europe, human culture witnessed dramatic changes. Various
studies indicate that this sociocultural shift had complex and regionally variable biological impacts. Hence,
palaeodemographic analyses of age-at-death and sex from human skeletal remains provide valuable insights
into life span and mortality. This study reconstructs the demographic profile of 322 Final Neolithic (Corded
Ware culture) and Early Bronze Age (Neckar group) individuals from 17 sites in Baden-Württemberg (Southwest
Germany) by using life tables. The results indicate diachronic changes in mortality and life expectancy of
infant individuals, and juvenile and adult females accompanied by regional variations. This suggests generally
improving living conditions from the Final Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age, except for increased mortality in
Early Bronze Age juveniles potentially related to adolescent pregnancies.
... The age composition of the cohort is as follows: circumnatale -66 individuals, infans I -353 individuals, infans II -126 individuals, juvenis -89 individuals, (McKern and Stewart 1957;Brooks and Suchey 1990) and in the auricular surface of the ilium (Buckberry and Chamberlain 2002), and cranial vault sutures obliteration (Masset 1971) were used for estimation age at death in adult individuals. Age at death non-adults was estimated using the stage of dental development (Ubelaker 1978), long bone diaphyseal length (Stloukal and Hanáková 1978) and epiphyseal closure (Scheuer and Black 2004). Finally, for the purpose of statistical representation, each individual was assigned to one of the following age categories: circumnatale (< 6 mounths), infans I (7 mounths-6 years), infans II (7-13 years), juvenis (14-19 years), adultus I (20-29 years), adultus II ( 30-39 years), maturus I (40-49 years), maturus II (50-59 years) and senilis (60 + years). ...
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic sinusitis in an osteoarchaeological sample from the Kostolec cemetery in the Ducové village (Slovakia) dated from the Late Bronze Age (1250–1000 BC) to the Modern Age (mid 16th–mid 19th century AD). The skeletons of 1,746 individuals were examined: 13 from the Late Bronze Age (LBA), 28 from the Great Moravian Period (GM), 1,468 from the Medieval Period (M) and 237 from the Modern Age (MA). The prevalence of sinusitis was 11.11% in the LBA, 45.00% in the GM, 38.39% in the M, and 37.16% in the MA population. There were no significant differences between males and females. The hypothesis of an increasing prevalence of sinusitis with increasing age was confirmed in two populations (the M – p = 0.0001; the MA – p = 0.0038). This trend may be due to the longer exposure of older people to adverse external and internal environmental factors. In both adults and non-adults, the maxillary sinuses were the most frequently affected. The high prevalence of inflammation in the maxillary sinuses may be explained by the fact that they are mainly affected by nasal and also odontogenic infections, in contrast to inflammation in the frontal or sphenoidal sinuses, which are rare.
... Despite the absence of archaeological materials related to the burials, ceramics were found that belong to the regional Chalcolithic period (generally 3rd millennium BC). Anthropological analysis, carried out by Zélia Rodrigues (2014), revealed that the skeletal remains recovered belonged to six sub-adults and three adult females, with the estimated age at death for the sub-adults varying between 1 and 10 years (sexual diagnosis inference was based on Acsádi and Nemeskéri, 1970;Saunders, 1989;Wasterlain, 2000;White, 2000;and to estimate the age at death, methods presented in Ferembach et al., 1980;Mays and Cox, 2000;Scheuer and Black, 2000;Ubelaker, 1989;White, 2000 It was only possible to infer that the adults were "relatively young", with only one of the individuals being between 25 and 30 years old [1224] (Rodrigues, 2014, pp. 57-58 (Rodrigues, 2014, p. 47). ...
This text addresses motherhood in prehistory. It attempts to contextualise motherhood in a modern, Western context and reviews the challenges of applying the predominant current model to prehistoric contexts. It seeks to understand how a limited view of motherhood, shaped by patriarchal ideology, relegated women to the home and expose the images that emerged from this approach, impacting the construction of lasting and naturalised prejudices. Future research lines will also be presented, focusing particularly on the Portuguese archaeological context, especially the Chalcolithic period in the south of the country, aiming to highlight the importance of extended care strategies in the social dynamics of past communities.
... variation is distributed. Furthermore, these results are significant for assessing the biological relationships of prehistoric samples that are temporally separated from modern human reference populations [24]. The analysis of intergroup variability of anthropological features provides insight into the degree of morphological differentiation of the population. ...
Широкомасштабні дослідження генетики людини на основі передбачувано нейт ральних територій показали, що більшість різноманіття людських ознак спостерігається серед індивідів у межах місцевих популяцій. Попередні розподіли краніометричного різноманіття подібні до цих генетичних розподілів, що свідчить про обмежену роль міжрегіональних відмінностей селективного тиску в формуванні сучасного краніометричного різноманіття людини. Отже, важливо відстежувати, як розподіляється варіативність черепа. Ці результати є значу щими для оцінки біологічних зв’язків доісторичних зразків, які часово відокремлені від сучасних популяцій-референтів. Аналіз міжгрупової мінливості антропологіч них ознак дає змогу визначити ступінь морфологічної диференціації населення. Співвідношення абсолютної різниці між максимальними та мінімальними значе ннями ознак до стандартного квадратичного відхилення може стати мірою оцінки цієї мінливості. Однак провести такий аналіз по століттях на наявному матеріалі неможливо через недостатню кількість краніологічних серій із досліджуваного регіону. Метою дослідження є визначення міжгрупового розмаху мінливості краніометричних ознак у чоловічих краніологічних серіях із Чернігово Сіверщини XVII–XIX ст. При визначенні морфологічних варіантів серед українців Чернігово-Сіверщини у XVII–XIX ст. особливу увагу слід приділити кутам профі лювання обличчя (ознаки, що відображають сплощення лицьового скелета) та висотним і поперечним діаметрам черепного склепіння. Монголоїдна домішка не виявила себе ані в індексі сплощення лицьового скелета, ані у співвідношенні лицьової та мозкової частин у чоловіків, ані в загальному розрахунку умовного монголоїдного елемента. Дуже слабка східна домішка була відзначена у жінок, де загальний індекс сплощення лицьового скелета дещо вищий за норму (до 20).
... Furthermore, literature indicates that no single method provides accurate estimates for the entire human lifespan and different age estimation methods yield more accurate results for certain age groups [59]. Thus, it is also important to consider whether certain methods tend to overestimate younger adults or underestimate older ones [13]. ...
This research tested the applicability, intra‐ and inter‐observer reliability, and accuracy of nine macroscopic methods for estimating age‐at‐death from skeletal elements. The sample included 400 individuals from the contemporary CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection, equally divided by sex assigned at birth and with age‐at‐death ranging from 20 to 104 years. Statistical analyses used standard measures of reliability and validity. The most applicable methods assessed the auricular surface of the ilium (92%), whereas the preservation and/or identification of the fourth rib was rare (16%). All methods proved repeatable, except for the assessment of the obliteration of palatine sutures, which showed greater subjectivity to the observer's experience. The Rougé‐Maillart (2009) method exhibited low bias and inaccuracy across all age groups in both sexes and the strongest correlation with chronological age in males. In females, the Buckberry and Chamberlain 2002 method showed the strongest correlation, but it tended to overestimate the age of younger individuals in both sexes. Age‐at‐death estimation methods revealed varying accuracy across age groups. The Suchey‐Brooks 1990 method was effective for younger individuals, while the Rougé‐Maillart (2009) and Falys and Prangle 2015 methods showed potential for the estimation of older adults, with lower bias and better precision. However, no approach was entirely satisfactory for older adults. The increasing life expectancy and the likelihood of encountering older adults’ remains highlight the need for refined techniques that better address age diversity in contemporary and ancient populations.
... The individual age of subadults was determined according to the standards that apply to child and juvenile skeletons (Ubelaker 1978 Bass 1995;Ferembach et al. 1980), based on the formation and eruption of teeth, the length of long bones, and the degree of epiphyseal fusion. Not a single newborn out of a total of 12 was buried without a vessel. ...
Burying children in vessels is a funerary practice as old as the art of pottery making.
... Методы С целью определения зубов из Костёнок 1(I) и их последующего сравнения с материалами других палеолитических памятников применялся метод морфологического анализа. Использовалась одонтологическая методика исследования (Зубов 1968, 2006, Зубов, Халдеева 1989; 1993), определение возраста осуществлялось по А. А. Зубову (Зубов 1968), Д. Х. Убелакеру (Ubelaker 1999) и К. Муррису с соавторами (Moorrees et al. 1963). Фотографии выполнены на микроскопе Hirox RX-100 в ЦКП «Фонды Центра физической антропологии ИЭА РАН». ...
Three isolated human deciduous teeth have been discovered in the course of working with the collection from the 2nd dwelling complex of Kostenki 1(I) which is stored at IHMC RAS. No information about these teeth has been published until now. The teeth come from the southern part of the complex; they were found not far from the hearth line. The context of their discovery testifies that neither structure nor filling of this part of the excavation radically differed from those of the other studied areas of the complex, which suggests that the occurrence of the teeth in the cultural layer had a random character. The morphological examination of the teeth shows that they could belong to two or three children: a six-year-old and a nine-year-old, or a six-year-old and two nine-year-olds. Comparative odontometric analysis of the first upper deciduous incisors and the first lower deciduous molars of individual finds from the Upper Palaeolithic sites indicates that the isolated teeth from Kostenki 1(I) do not fundamentally differ from European and Siberian Homo sapiens finds. To date, these teeth represent the only anthropological remains associated with the two Kostenki-Avdeevo dwelling complexes of Kostenki 1(I).
... Subadult age was estimated using dental development (Ubelaker 1978) and epiphyseal fusion (Scheuer and Black 2000). Adult age was estimated using dental attrition (Brothwell 1981). ...
In this article we aim to highlight the potential of forgotten grave materials in our museum depositories for gaining insights into prehistoric life. By applying a multi-proxy approach to the skeletal remains of two graves of uncertain types from Falbygden in western Sweden, we were able to acquire new knowledge of burial practices, subsistence, health and mobility in Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age communities. One of the studied graves proved to be the earliest attested gallery grave in the area, while the other is one of the few known graves from the first period of the Bronze Age. The results indicate that some overlooked excavated materials in our depositories might stem from certain time periods from which we think archaeological remains are lacking and/or from practices which are not fully understood. These remains may prove to be important for our understanding of prehistoric societies when thoroughly studied combining archaeological, osteological, biochemical and geochemical methods.
... In the same way, we also represented the location of the human induced modifications on the bone surface using templates. Age estimation was obtained using the criteria established by Ubelaker 56 for dental eruption and White and Folkens 57 for comparing the natural size of an infant scapula. ...
The manipulation of human corpses started to become commonplace during the Upper Paleolithic. This well-documented behavior among Magdalenian peoples consists of perimortem manipulation and the removal of soft tissues and has been understood as forming part of the cultural repertoire of mortuary actions. The study of these practices has given rise to several interpretations with the consumption of human flesh (cannibalism) occupying a central position. The human assemblage of Maszycka Cave (18,000 cal. BP) is part of this ongoing debate. Although initial research in the 1990s suggested cannibalism, more recent studies challenge this interpretation arguing that the low incidence of human activity rule out the likelihood of processing for the purpose of consumption and proposing skull selection as a funerary practice. This study reviews the assemblage and presents previously unpublished postcranial skeletal specimens along with evidence of whole-body manipulation for consumption. This behavior is also observed in other chronologically and culturally similar assemblages throughout continental Europe, suggesting that cannibalism was integral practice within the cultural systems of these Magdalenian groups.
... 58 Forensic anthropologists are trained to recognize and interpret these changes, such as shrinkage, warping, fragmentation, and color alterations, which can provide valuable insights for victim identification. 59 The Rwandan Genocide, which took place in 1994, was a tragic and brutal event that resulted in the mass killings of an estimated thousands of Tutsis and moderate Hutus in a span of just 100 days. Understanding the historical context and conducting an in-depth analysis of this case study is crucial for comprehending the application and effectiveness of forensic anthropology methods in real-world investigations of mass atrocities. ...
With a focus on the identification of mass atrocities and war crimes, this study explores the field of forensic anthropology in the context of human rights investigations. This research, showing an extensive literature search and content analysis, illuminates the critical role that interdisciplinary collaboration, adaptability, and specialized approaches play in boosting the accuracy and efficacy of forensic investigations. Strong identification results are consistently produced by combining forensic anthropology with specialised fields like forensic pathology. The versatility of these methods shines through their application across varied geographic and conflict contexts, using the Rwanda Genocide, the Srebrenica massacre, and the Argentina Dirty War as case studies, highlighting their significance in uncovering mass atrocities and war crimes. The synthesis of findings emphasizes the frequent utilization of forensic anthropological techniques. This study reveals that while these methods offer remarkable potential, they are not devoid of challenges.
... Por otra parte, la determinación del sexo se ha basado en caracteres no métricos, a partir de las características morfológicas del cráneo, la mandíbula y el coxal, los huesos más dimórficos del esqueleto (Bass, 1995;Campillo y Subirá, 2004;Steyn y Iscan, 1998;Thayer y Dobson, 2010;Ubelaker, 1999;Walker, 2005;White, 1991;White y Folkens, 2005). En cuanto a los caracteres métricos, muchos estudios han desarrollado funciones discriminantes para determinar el sexo del individuo a partir de determinadas variables métricas con un nivel de fiabilidad aceptable. ...
Resumen: En este trabajo se presentan los resultados preliminares de las campañas arqueológicas del 2019 al 2021, llevadas a cabo en la Cueva del Nacimiento del Río Cuadros de Bedmar (Jaén). Hasta el momento se ha documentado una ocupación humana de la cavidad desde el Calcolítico hasta la actualidad. Palabras claves: Cueva del Nacimiento del Río Cuadros, Calcolítico, Restos Humanos, Pintura Rupestre. Abstract: This paper presents the preliminary results of the archaeological campaigns from 2019 to 2021, carried out in the Cueva del Nacimiento del Río Cuadros de Bedmar (Jaén). Until now, a human occupation of the cavity has been documented from the Chalcolithic to the present.
... Para ello se han utilizado los estudios de Buikstra y Ubelaker (1994), aunque tomando con precaución aquellos que se referían a las inserciones musculares, ya que el cambio de forma del cráneo modifica el desarrollo muscular como resultado de una permanente posición forzada, ajena a la naturaleza congénita del individuo. Tras ello fueron realizados los cálculos de la edad en el momento de la muerte, tanto por la erupción y sustitución de la dentición (Ubelaker, 1979) como por el desgaste dentario (Brothwell, 1981). ...
La deformación intencional del cráneo es una práctica ancestral en la que se aprecia, de manera clara, cómo una sociedad pudo afectar la biología del ser humano, alterando la forma, desarrollo y crecimiento normal de los huesos, centrándonos, en este caso, en aquellos que componen la bóveda craneal. Esta práctica tiene una larga historia y se remonta hacia miles de años antes de Cristo. Ha sido recono-cida en todos los continentes, pero su uso y variabili-dad han sido especialmente llamativas en Mesoamé-rica y Sudamérica. Diversas investigaciones han determinado que esta práctica se inició a temprana edad en sociedades pre-hispánicas del Perú, lo cual no fue una tarea fácil ya que se requirió de cierta experiencia. Asimismo, tuvo distintos significados e interpretaciones y es una forma permanente y drástica en la que una parte del cuerpo se ve comprometida sin opción al cambio. Sean cuales fueren las razones detrás de esta prác-tica que se volvió una costumbre, tenían que estar muy fuertemente arraigadas a la sociedad a las que perte-necían y ser muy estables, puesto que, una vez rea-lizada la modificación de la forma del cráneo, no hay vuelta atrás y la persona deberá llevarla de por vida. Esta práctica, realizada tanto en hombres como muje-res, solo podía realizarse durante los primeros meses de vida y hasta los tres años de edad, aun cuando los tejidos del cráneo son flexibles y durante la etapa de crecimiento del cerebro (Scheuer y Black, 2000). Para la elaboración de esta práctica fue necesaria la colocación de elementos rígidos (tablillas o cunas deformantes) y/o flexibles (almohadillas de diferentes formas, cintas, correas) que se ajustaron cuidadosa-mente al cráneo en crecimiento, produciendo presión en ciertas zonas y dirigiendo el crecimiento de los hue-sos hacia las áreas del cráneo donde existe menor presión (Tiesler, 2014). Un mal procedimiento podía ocasionar la muerte del infante.
... Age estimation of immature remains was based primarily on dental and secondarily on skeletal development (Schaefer et al. 2009;Ubelaker 1978). ...
Drawing on modelling of age at death in skeletal remains, this article unveils hitherto unrecognized demographic patterns in the Nordic Corded Ware complex. This population formed part of the European Corded Ware complex that has been linked to disruption observed in the archaeological and genetic record. The newly developed methods of transition analysis 3 (TA3) and death rate ratio (DRR) were used to process skeletal data from 67 individuals deriving from single, double, and multiple graves in Scandinavia. The results disclose a high proportion of immature individuals aged less than twenty years. Attrition, however, complies with a demography with high age-nonspecific mortality, and this may connect to stressors such as epidemic diseases and endemic warfare. Compared to the partly contemporaneous Pitted Ware complex and the succeeding Late Neolithic–earliest Bronze Age period, the Nordic Corded Ware burials overall point to robust population growth, especially in the later period. This in turn aligns with a sedentary lifestyle rather than a mobile pastoral economy. Short-distance seasonal movements could fit in but cannot yet be measured. Recent genetics have demonstrated biological input in the female line from populations such as Funnel Beaker, Pitted Ware, and herders of the steppe forest zone: the remarkable tallness of Nordic Corded Ware individuals may well be an effect of such admixture. The burials moreover evidence a distinct adult male sex bias, which diminishes over time along with the growth in the number of buried females and young individuals. Judging from investment in graves and grave goods, immatures were highly valued. The scale of social status operates independently of age. Alongside the revealed Nordic Corded Ware demography and the burial and material record more broadly, this could indicate social inequality based on kinship and warrior values.
... The age at death was estimated using the pubic symphysis, changes in the auricular surface of the os coxae, skull sutures, ageing of the medial epiphysis of the clavicle and cortical section, proximal part of the femur and complex ageing methods (Albert et al., 2007;Buckberry and Chamberlain, 2002;Ubelaker, 1989;Walker and Lovejoy, 1985). Statures of individuals were calculated from femoral and tibial lengths (Trotter and Gleser, 1952). ...
The Antalya province, with its many important archaeological sites, reveals cricital archaeological data for the human history of Anatolia. These data are not limited to archaeological results, but the skeletons found during excavations also reveal direct data about human life and death. However, the archaeological data of Antalya are not limited to known archaeological sites, but are also updated with the increasing number of rescue excavations in many parts of the city. In this study, the human skeletal remains of 96 individuals were examined. The skeletal remains were unearthed from 48 graves, which were used in both the Roman and Byzantine periods, during the rescue excavations carried out by the Antalya Museum Directorate in the Başköy neighbourhood of the Kepez district in 2022. The anthropological examination of the skeletons revealed 70 adults and 26 sub-adult individuals, and the most common age range at death was 35-50 years. The estimated sex, age at death and stature, and oral and dental health, pathological lesions, and skeletal variations were assessed. Among our findings, we show cases of avascular necrosis, ossification of the chondrosternal cartilage, cortical desmoid and double-rooted mandibular canine, conditions that are not well documented in ancient Anatolian records.
... pubis length (PUM), and spino-sciatic length (SS) are highly dimorphic ( Table 5). Most of these measurements seem to reflect bigger hip and body size in males, as already observed 20,21,[38][39][40][41][42][43][44] . Particularly, the diameter of the acetabulum (M22) and the measurements that include its dimension (ISM and ISMM) reflect the bigger femoral head in males than in females, accordingly to other studies that have found the acetabulum dimension and the ischium length amongst the most dimorphic measurements 20,21,[44][45][46][47] . ...
The rate of sexual dimorphism in the human hip bone is primarily due to the structural demands of childbirth. Genetic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors can also influence pelvic shape variations across populations. This study examines intra-population sex variation within the Italian population based on regional differences of 280 coxal bones from two documented human osteological collections (Bologna and Sassari) coming from different geographical areas, the northern continental and island regions. Nineteen metric variables were used to evaluate sexual dimorphism and population differences. Most of the variables showed sexual dimorphism, particularly the hip height and ischio-pubic measures within both populations, and accurately predicted sex for each population (Bologna: 100%; Sassari: 91.2%). Results show the Bologna sample have larger dimensions for most of the measurements than the Sassari one, especially when considering the longitudinal ones. Some female traits of the Bologna sample are larger than the correspondent ones in the Sassari males. The rate of sexual dimorphism between the populations shows significant differences, with better sex distinction for Bologna than Sassari. This study aims at interpreting these intra-population differences, considering the effect of environmental (physical and social milieu) and genetic factors, underscoring the importance of this local differences for accurate diagnostic criteria.
... Dalsze uszczegółowienie było możliwe dzięki zastosowaniu osteologicznych metod określania wieku w chwili śmierci. Wiek osobników niedorosłych został oszacowany na podstawie stopnia rozwoju i wyrżnięcia zębów (Ubelaker 1989), stopnia rozwoju i przyrośnięcia nasad do trzonów kości (Schaefer, Black, Scheuer 2009). ...
... The classical anthropological and paleopathological analyses were carried out based on macromorphological approach implied by methods accepted and well known internationally and among Hungarian researchers as well (Ubelaker et al. 1989;Pap et al. 2009). To examine the shape, structure, and chemical composition of the stone the following methods were employed: 1) macroscopic evaluation: the length, width, and thickness were measured by a geometric compass while the circumference was measured by using a tape. ...
A biological object was recovered from the pelvic region of an adult man (age 60) unearthed from Győr, Újlak utca Hungary. The skeleton was dated to the Roman period based on the burial customs and stratigraphic position. The find was identified as a bladder stone on morphological, radiographic, and chemo-analytical grounds with the help of traditional lab tests, X-ray diffraction, confocal Raman spectroscopy, and microscopic techniques. The mineralogical composition of this urinary stone was found to be calcium phosphate (apatite) and calcium magnesium phosphate (whitlockite). Bladder stone disease is endemic in poor agricultural regions where the typical diet is mostly based on grain carbohydrate consumption with scarce intake of animal protein. However, in our case the absence of skeletal alterations related to neurogenic origin, and the results of investigations carried out on a multidisciplinary approach, esspecially the presence of whitlockite clearly indicates infection by non-urease producing bacteria.
... Las prácticas de horticultura o agricultura a pequeña escala, que se evidencian en los resultados arqueobotánicos y se relativizan en los isotópicos, cuentan a su vez con referencias etnohistóricas (ej. MABILDE, 1983;MÉTRAUX, 1946aMÉTRAUX, y 1946bSCHMIDT, 1942 1978;PÉREZ RIPOLL, 1992;REVERTE, 1999;TURNER, 1983). ...
En este trabajo se presenta la síntesis y actualización de los principales resultados alcanzados en el marco de la investigación arqueológica llevada a cabo en la cuenca de la laguna de Castillos, Rocha, Uruguay. La investigación se ha centrado en el reconocimiento de la variabilidad del registro arqueológico y de las relaciones humanas entre sí y con su entorno. Mediante el uso de diversos indicadores (ej. arqueológicos, biológicos, geológicos, geoquímicos, cronológicos) se abordó de forma integrada el estudió de la distribución de sitios en el paisaje, las condiciones paleoambientales y las características del registro material recuperado en excavaciones. En base a los datos cronológicos se infiere que la cuenca ha sido habitada desde hace al menos 4.000 14C años AP, por distintos grupos humanos. En las diferentes unidades de paisaje de la cuenca se desarrollaron ocupaciones de tipo residencial mediante la construcción de estructuras monticulares (cerritos) y/o se ocuparon geoformas naturales elevadas como las crestas bioclásticas. Los materiales recuperados permitieron reconocer diferentes procesos de manufactura y uso de instrumentos en el desarrollo de actividades domésticas. Así como también, distinguir las estrategias de obtención y uso de los recursos geológicos, animales y vegetales. El conjunto de resultados alcanzados evidencian que la cuenca, configurada en numerosos parches fitogeográficos con disponibilidad diferencial de recursos, favoreció el desarrollo sociocultural durante el Holoceno medio y tardío.
Those two chapterrs (written in greek with english abstracts and figure captions) are included in the second volume of the publication on the results of the 10-year-long research (surveys and excavations) condacted at the Vathy promontory (Astypalaia island).
The first chapter presents the macrolithic tools/implements collected during the surveys.
The second contributes to the study of the archaeological context of the structures ("Exedres") 1 and 2 with infant jar burials.
The context dates to the Final Neolithic/Early Bronze Age.
For information on the site and its really long pre- and -history, search for papers by A. Vlachopoulos .
Please, read on!
The southern region of the Valley of Mexico was the scene of the development of one of the most productive agricultural systems, the chinampa, used from pre-Hispanic times to the present. The Xochimilco-Chalco subbasin is an area with a long history of chinampa agricultural production. During an archaeological excavation of the El Japón site, San Gregorio Atlapulco in Xochimilco, an osteological sample was recovered in which the distribution pattern of external auditory exostoses (EAE) by age and sex of the ancient inhabitants of Lake Xochimilco was analyzed, selecting 125 individuals with the temporal bone that allowed for EAE morphoscopic recording. The low prevalence, only in men, suggests a specialized activity of ancient inhabitants of San Gregorio Atlapulco, such as diving in the course of the construction and maintenance of hydraulic works, probably also related to the engineering of the chinampas. The presence of EAE in the colonial peasant society of Mexico City is supported by ethnohistoric sources in relation to specialized male activities.
O Complexo Megalítico localiza-se a cerca de 500 metros da aldeia do Ramalhal, Alvaiázere. Um dos sítios estudados foi o Dolmen II de Rego da Murta. Neste local foram recuperados vestígios osteológicos que apontam para mais de meia centena de indivíduos que foram tratados ritualmente e depositados. Um desses vestígios apresenta patologia traumática. Este artigo foca o seu estudo na sua análise e contexto.
Description
Monografia arqueológica sobre o sítio Algar da Água. Publicado em ebook e livro impresso.
Trata-se de uma cavidade, composta por uma grande sala e uma galeria anexa, localizada em Alvaiázere, centro de Portugal. Apresenta um registo arqueográfico que o integra desde o período do Neolítico Antigo à Alta Idade Média. Durante a pré-história observam-se rituais de desposição com enterramentos, desde o Neolítico à Idade do Bronze. Durante a Idade do Ferro registamos cultos ofertais e comensais, com registo em lareiras, com deposição de fauna e artefactos cerâmicos e metais. Deste período registam-se paineis com gravuras em abrasão e filiforme. O período romano apresenta uma deposição votiva isolada e em conexão de um cervo. Regista também uma grande lareira no centro da sala principal, com vestígios de fauna. O uso desta lareira prelonga-se até à Alta Idade Média.
Neste livro registam-se os dados completos do estudo do sítio arqueológico, desde as metodologias aplicadas, às interpretações observadas. Deve ser complementado com artigos de pormenor e desenvolvimento de temáticas.
1) Figueiredo, A. (2019) – O SÍTIO ARQUEOLÓGICO ALGAR DA ÁGUA (ALVAIÁZERE) - RESULTADOS DE 2017 A 2019. Monografia Arqueológica dos trabalhos de intervenção realizados no sítio Algar da Água, Alvaiázere. Edição: IPT, LABACPS, CAAPortugal e CMAlvaiázere.Tomar. ISBN: 978-989-8840-40-0 (livro impresso) Depósito Legal: 465626/19 e ISBN: 978-989-8840-41-7 (PDF / PDF/A)
2) Figueiredo, A.; Coimbra, F.; Monteiro, C.; Tognoli, A.; Peixe, A.; Santos, D. (2020a) - Arte Rupestre do sítio Algar da Água, Alvaiázere: registo preliminar dos levantamentos realizados, in atas II Ciclo de Conferências do Monte Padrão, com o tema "Estéticas de Poder. Expressões plásticas na II Idade do Ferro do Noroeste Peninsular", realizado em 2018. ISBN 978-972-8180-70-6
3) Figueiredo, Alexandra; Monteiro, Cláudio; Tognoli, Anderson; Peixe, Alexandre (2020b) – Algar da Água (Alvaiázere): Retrato preliminar da ocupação da Pré-história à Alta Idade Média, in atas do Congresso de História e Património da Alta Estremadura e Terras de Sicó, Alvaiázere, 21 e 22 de setembro de 2019, Leiria: 27-45
4) Peixe, Alexandre; Figueiredo, Alexandra; Monteiro, Claudio; Tognoli, Anderson (2020) – Um olhar espacial sobre o sítio do Algar da Água (Alvaiázere-Leiria): Contribuições dos Sistemas de Informação Geográfica para uma interpretação arqueográfica. CPGP, in Boletim do Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré-História, Série III, Vol. 2, nº 2. https://www.cpgp.pt/boletim.php
5) Tognoli, Anderson; Figueiredo, Alexandra (2021) – Análise preliminar dos Vestígios Arqueozoológicos da Gruta do Bacelinho (Alvaiázere-Portugal), in Revista MEMORARE….
6) Figueiredo, Alexandra (2021) – Static and dynamic interpretation using geographic information systems in the analysis of archaeological sites: i.e. the case study of the Megalithic Complex at Rego da Murta
7) Barbosa, Erika; Tognoli, Anderson; Figueiredo, Alexandra (2021) – Arqueozoologia do período romano da Gruta Algar da Água – Alvaiázere (Portugal), Boletim do Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré-história 3 (2), 2021. https://cpgp.pt/boletim.php. ISSN (print): 2184-4518 (online): 1645-9806 (CD-ROM): 2184-4194
8) Esquetim, Carlos; Figueiredo, Alexandra (2021) – Cada Artefacto, uma história: olhar as cerâmicas no contexto pré-histórico da gruta do Algar da Água. Boletim do Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré-história 3 (2), 2021. https://cpgp.pt/boletim.php. ISSN (print): 2184-4518 (online): 1645-9806 (CD-ROM): 2184-4194.
9) Figueiredo, A.; Coimbra, F.A:; Monteiro, C. 2022. One cave, multiple traces: the rock art of the archaeological site of Algar da Água, Central Portugal. In, Daivakarni, V.; Singh, J.; Kumar, S. & Dahiya, R. K. (eds.), Felicitation Volume for Dr. Yoganand Shastri, Based on Archaeology and Culture. Pathak Publishers and Distributors, 420-428. New Delhi.
10) Figueiredo, A.; Coimbra, F.; Monteiro, C. 2023. One Cave, Multiple Traces: The rock art of the Archaeological site of Algar da Água, Central Portugal. JagannâtHam, Recent Archaeology and Contemporary approaches, special volume in Honour of Professor J.N.Pal, Editors: Brijest Rawat; Suranhi Srivasta; Sachin Kumar Tiwary.Pathak Publisher & Distributors New Delhi (India), p. 184-190. MOB.9466702560
Livro sobre as primeiras arquiteturas megalíticas no centro de Portugal. Trata essencialmente dos monumentos megalíticos de Rego da Murta, suas características e analogias com outros monumentos neolíticos da região centro.
Introduction Age estimation is a very essential tool that is required for quite a lot of purposes in legal settings and for disaster victim identification purposes. In the recent years, London Atlas for dental age estimation has gained popularity and its applicability in Australia has not been sufficiently validated. Therefore, a study was aimed to study the ability of London Atlas to accurately estimate the ages of an Australian cohort. Aim To test the age prediction reliability of the London Atlas on an Australian population and to determine if there is a difference in its prediction accuracy between males and females. Methods A total of 193 panoramic radiographs were accessed from the University of Queensland’s archival records. The London Atlas was used to estimate the dental ages of these radiographs of 96 females and 97 males, aged between 5 and 17 years. Results Of the entire cohort, the difference between the mean estimated age (11.56 years) and mean chronological (11.92 years) age was 0.36 years. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). The over-estimation of ages was significant in age groups 6, 7, 8,10 and 11. The mean age difference for males was 0.038 years while the difference for females was 0.471 years. However, the difference between the two sexes (0.509 years) was statistically insignificant (p > 0.001). The London Atlas shows a tendency to over-estimate ages of females and under-estimate ages of males. Conclusion The London Atlas was found to overestimate the ages of children in an Australian population by approximately four and a half months (0.37 years). However, there was no difference in age prediction accuracy between males and females. Overall, the London Atlas has comparable accuracy with other dental age estimation methods and should be considered as a tool for age estimation.
У статті введено в науковий обіг нові краніологічні дані, дано загальну характеристику мешканців Чернігова XVII–XIX ст. на тлі суміжних етнічних груп України й Східної Європи, з’ясовано місце цих мешканок серед краніологічних типів Східної Європи та фено-географічних антропологічних зон України. Для опрацювання жіночих черепів використано комп’ютерні програми, які створили Б. й О. Козінцеви 1991 р. Відстані між окремими серіями ХІV–ХІХ ст. визначалися за допомогою багатовимірного канонічного й кластерного аналізу. Залучено 14 краніометричних ознак за Р. Мартіном. Загалом досліджувана серія належить до великої європеоїдної раси з певною малою часткою монголоїдної домішки, яка проявилась у брахікранному мозковому черепі. За даними багатовимірного канонічного аналізу на цьому етапі дослідження зафіксовано їх подібність як до волинської групи з с. Ратнів, так і до змішаної вибірки з Каунаса. Для жіночих черепів XVII–XIX ст. з Чернігова характерний північно-західний напрямок зв’язків.
This article explores the cremation burial practices of a pre-Tarascan community at Los Tamarindos, focusing on the perceptions of the bodies of those cremated. To reconstruct this element of mortuary practices in the Middle Balsas River basin during the Postclassic period, we analyzed the thermal alterations, anatomical arrangements, and spatial distribution of cremains within funerary urns. Our findings shed light on the low efficiency of cremation processes, which affect the resistance of cremains to mechanical damage and influences the spatial distribution of cremains in the burials. As a result, we were able to register only one case of an intentional distribution of human remains within a funerary urn: skull fragments were dominant in the upper part of the funerary vessel, with a gradual reduction in favor of the lower limb fragments toward the bottom. We also explored the potential presence of intentional manipulation of human remains in the majority of adult burials, offering new perspectives on cremation mortuary rites during the Middle and Late Postclassic period in the Middle Balsas region.
The paper presents a comprehensive pathological and morphological description and analysis of the skeletal remains of children discovered in the Chervony Mayak necropolis between 2011 and 2021. The sample comprises 46 skeletons exhibiting varying degrees of preservation. The children’s sample was subjected to morphological analysis, including determination of age, measurement of long bone lengths, and assessment of major pathological alterations in the dentition and jaws, as well as in the skull and bones of the postcranial skeleton. The sample of children’s burials obtained from the Chervony Mayak was sufficient to address the primary research questions concerning the ancient population of Ukraine in prehistoric times. Graves of various types, including crypts, niche graves and regular pits, were used for centuries in the late antique necropolises as well as on the Late Scythian burial grounds. This may be reasoned by the multiethnicity or different social status of the deaths. The study of the children’s morphology can add few to the existing theories and results of archaeological and morphological studies of the adult population. However, the examination of pathological indicators, such as dental diseases and the frequency of the signs of deficiencies, despite not being statistically significant in most cases due to the small sample effect, has provided valuable information. Notably, the patterns observed in the prevalence of dental diseases in children are similar to those observed in adults. The distinction between childhood diseases is contingent mainly upon «social markers». The analysis of the children’s remains buried in crypts revealed the presence of dental caries and calculus on deciduous teeth, as well as a high frequency of vestiges of anemia. In light of these indicators, the population has been closely aligned with agricultural communities since the first millennium AD. In other words, their diet consisted primarily of plant-based foods, particularly cereals. Furthermore, the consumption of dairy products is also a possibility. In light of the study’s findings, it can be posited that a part of the population buried in the regular pits and niche graves may have followed diets and lifestyles comparable to those of pastoral populations. In the crypts the proportion of children with vestiges of deficiencies and chronic infections was slightly lower than in the niche graves. Even children from potentially disparate social classes in past societies could spend a considerable amount of time together. The close contact between the two groups is evidenced by the almost equal percentage of traces of nonspecific infections and the high frequency of tuberculous meningitis. No cases of advanced stages of bone tuberculosis have been identified among the Late Scythian population. It is conceivable that the existence of latent and recurrent inflammatory processes in children, along with the presumed high mortality rate, may be indicative of a persistent influx of population to the site.
Aim. To analyse the pathological features of skeletal disease from the Lori Berd cemetery excavations and to deduce the cause of death.
Methodology. The differential diagnosis of the disease is given with reference to macroscopic and X-ray findings. Traumatic injuries have pronounced features of a lifetime intervention.
Results. The nine signs concordant with ankylosing spondylitis detected in skeleton from burial 115 turn on the following: sacroiliac fusion (possibly bilateral), fusion of vertebrae (apart from 4 cervical vertebrae), ossification of spinal ligaments and intervertebral cartilages, fusion of virtually of all costovertebral joints, the square shape of vertebral bodies, characteristic “bamboo spine” emergence
of the vertebrae, the development of kyphosis and lordosis, advanced osteopenia, hip and femur bones involvement. A disabled woman sustained fatal injuries to her shoulder blade and first lumbar vertebrae from blows of a sharp object. A woman might have been killed in an enemy attack or war. The woman’s body was buried with all due respect and in accordance with the rules of funeral rites.
Research implications. The integrated study is the basis for the possibility of interdisciplinary study of material from excavations dating VII–VI centuries BC. The research results contribute to the theory of anthropological expertise.
Ballester, B. 2017 Parentesco y política de los cazadores, pescadores y recolectores marinos del Desierto de Atacama según crónicas, documentos históricos y restos materiales. En Monumentos funerarios de la costa del desierto de Atacama. Los cazadores-recolectores marinos y sus intercambios (500 a.C.-700 d.C.), editado por F. Gallardo, B. Ballester y N. Fuenzalida, pp. 47-53. CIIR & SCHA, Santiago.
ISBN: 978-956-393-029-0
Este breve artigo tem como objetivo explicitar os parâmetros da Antropologia Forense enquanto uma disciplina multidisciplinar, evidenciando, sobretudo, as diferenças entre a Antropologia e a Arqueologia Forense. A Antropologia Biológica (Bioantropologia) atuou historicamente e atua de forma ativa nas definições e nos parâmetros dos dois campos de conhecimento na atualidade, porém suas contribuições não devem atribuir primazia à aplicação de uma em relação a outra área nas Ciências Forenses. A Antropologia Forense hoje busca ir além da estimativa do perfil biológico dos indivíduos e a Arqueologia Forense não se restringe apenas aos métodos e técnicas de escavações arqueológicas adotadas em contextos forenses. Ambas, de forma distintas, complementares e por meio de suas especificidades teóricas e metodológicas, constituem instrumentos fundamentais para aprimorar e validar evidências legais, contribuindo na atuação judicial criminalística e na garantia dos Direitos Humanos.
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