摘要:

AbstractRecently, two Late Neolithic skeletons belonging to the Single Grave Culture (ca. 4500 BP) were discovered in the province of North‐Holland. It is the first time that such complete and well‐preserved skeletons of this age have been found in The Netherlands. Both skeletons were subjected to an extensive and close examination in order to gain more information about these two individuals and their way of life. Application of different methods resulted in the determination of the sex (a male and a female), the age at death and the stature of the skeletons. Pathological features could be established in the female skeleton by means of radiography. The male skeleton was incomplete owing to animal scavenging. The tooth marks on the bones were studied in an attempt to discover the circumstances of death. In order to obtain information about the diet of the two individuals, the dental microwear and the remains of plaque and calculus were investigated. This investigation demonstrates the importance of physical anthropological studies with regard to the reconstruction of life in the p

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020102

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThe probable number of individuals (PNI) estimators all require that we be able to match left‐right paired bones reliably. The problems of matching are outlined and ways of addressing them are reviewed. It is shown that archaeozoological studies in which reliable matching is difficult raise analytical problems similar to those faced by population biologists unable to use classical release‐recapture methods. The removal estimator has been used to estimate the size of whale populations from incomplete census data. It can be generalized into archaeozoology to produce either a simple PNI statistic of the matching type, or a statistic that does not require reliable match

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020103

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractEar disease, and in particular chronic ear infection, has received scant attention in the palaeopathological literature. This paper describes the chronic infection known as cholesteatoma and how it may be identified in the archaeological specimen. A survey is made of the incidence of the condition in a series of pre‐dynastic Egyptian skull

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020104

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThis paper presents some preliminary results on microscopical identification of microfractures in human skeletal remains which may be associated with osteoporosis. A technique is described for the examination of cancellous bone and applied to a number of vertebrae and one radius. All the material used is Romano‐British or English medieval. However, microscopical screening for osteoporosis could form a useful part of comparative studies on historically or geographically different populations. The archaeological significance of osteoporosis in terms of skeletal ageing and nutritional status is discusse

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020105

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThe Ruffner collection, a Late Period (AD 500–1800), northern California skeletal sample, was analyzed for osteopathology. A probable fifth‐finger dislocation of the right first and second phalanx was observed in a female aged 25–35 years at death. Traumatic adduction forced the second and third phalanges to slip laterally, upward and back about 10 mm, upon the dorsal surface of the first phalanx. Apparently, the medial collateral ligament of the interphalangeal joint was torn, making reduction impossible. As a result of the luxation, the flexor digitorum profundus slipped laterally and was fixed along the lateral surface of the distal end of the first phalanx. Over time, fusion of the joint restricted the flexion movement and left an abnormally aligned f

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020106

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractAnalysis of incremental banding in dental cementum is a well‐established means of determining the age and season of death of wild mammals. The dental cementum of domesticated mammals likewise can indicate age and season of death. Methods of preparation applicable to archaeological teeth differ from those used for modern specimens, however, and this paper describes two methods that have given excellent imaging on teeth ofBos taurus; one for modern teeth and the other for teeth from archaeological site

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020107

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the radiological criteria once widely used when investigating pituitary disease in the living can be applied to early man. The material examined forms part of the assemblage of skulls in the Duckworth Collection in Cambridge.It proved possible to measure the sella turcica from the radiographs of 88 of 155 predynastic adult Egyptian skulls with an intact base. These were compared with the measurements from 41 of 76 adult Burmese skulls of more recent origin and those of a randomly selected sample of living Caucasian adults. There was a wide range of sellar volumes in all three groups. The results were subjected to statistical analysis.Opportunities to apply the results of this study have been limited to the assessment of sellar erosion in a predynastic Badarian, review of the diagnosis of acromegaly in a, presumed, early Egyptian and the investigation of a hydrocephalic skull. The radiological examination of human skeletal remains thought to show evidence of pituitary disease or hydrocephalus can make palaeopathological diagnoses more secure.

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020108

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractPerikymata and enamel hypoplasia can be studied most easily by light and scanning electron microscopy of replicas rather than of the original tooth crown surface. Delicate archaeological specimens require special handling. Selection of specimens and cleaning technique are some of the most important factors in producing good replicas, and this paper outlines procedures that have been developed over some years. Several widely available materials produce similarly detailed initial impressions of the crown surface, but an addition‐type silicone dental impression material is recommended here because of its superior stability. The replica itself is cast in the mould of the original impression, and a slow‐curing low‐viscosity Araldite resin‐hardener system is recommended. The paper outlines procedures for taking impressions from a variety of dental remains, together with methods for handling, examining and storing the replicas. The non‐destructive techniques outlined here make it possible to take records of large numbers of crown surfaces in the field, or during a short museum visit, for later study in the laboratory. Many replicas can be produced from one original crown surface impression and the replicas are very robust—they can be mailed easily to other researchers for records or comparative studies. With continuing calls for reburial or repatriation of archaeological human remains, the production of a permanent record for future study is of considera

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020109

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractIt is commonly assumed that, at least when considering similar sized animals, the bones from all taxa stand an equal chance of preservation. This paper summarizes one aspect of a larger study undertaken in order to assess whether this assumption is true, based on the results of experiments and observations into the effects of a range of pre‐depositional processes. The rates of bone destruction by sedimentary abrasion and by trampling are determined for small mammal, fish and frog bones. Patterns of bone loss and fragmentation are examined both between species and within the skeleton, for fresh and boiled bone. It is shown that there is considerable interspecies variation in the ability of bones to withstand these physical forces. Frog bone proved particularly resistant, while within the fish, bone from the Gadidae was less resilient than might be expected, given its predominance in British Medieval archaeological sites and coastal sites of all periods. Within the skeleton, bone shape appears to be a very important determinant of relative survival. Boiling dramatically reduces bone's resistence to destruction. The physical properties of fresh, boiled and burnt bone are compared mechanically, and the dramatic loss of strength induced by heating is demonstrated. The often voiced assumption that fish bone is more prone to destruction than mammal bone is shown to have some validity. The results add more evidence to support the view that comparison of species abundance by fragment counts may not always be appropriate, and that interpretation of skeletal element frequencies should be approached with cautio

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020110

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractA skull from the St Bride's collection showing evidence of gunshot wounds is described. The position of the wounds suggests that they were self‐inflicted. Examination of historical records confirms that the individual committed suicide by shooting himself in the mouth. The fact that this individual was buried in the crypt of St Bride's church in 1821 is discussed in relation to early 19th century attitudes to suicid

ISSN:1047-482X    

DOI:10.1002/oa.1390020111

出版商:John Wiley&Sons, Ltd.    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY