A rare case of multilevel spondylolysis—A nineteenth century Chinese immigrant to Peru from Castillo de Huarmey archaeological site

Abstract

An unusual burial was discovered at the site of Castillo de Huarmey, Peru. The individual buried in the area of pre-Columbian huaca was likely of Chinese origin and came to Peru as a part of a large immigration wave between 1849 and 1874. Over 100 000 Chinese workers were brought to Peru during that timeframe, to replace freed slaves in many branches of the Peruvian economy. The individual's skeleton showed multiple-level bilateral spondylolysis in the lumbar vertebrae. This kind of bony defect is very rare and often related to intensive and strenuous physical activity. The analysis allows for an insight into historical lifestyles and immigrant experiences as registered in skeletal remains.