Adult paleopathology as an indicator of childhood social roles: A case study of Perthes disease in a native Ohio female

Abstract

Recently, the study of children has played an important role in the development of bioarchaeology. Particularly, researchers have long been concerned with the timing of growth and development and with childhood morbidity and mortality. These studies have helped to drive the field of bioarchaeology forward by elucidating the effects of culture on biological variation, including health, fertility, and, ultimately, human evolution. Building on this progress, recent works have called for further theoretical and methodological development in bioarchaeological studies of children, specifically developments that further the understanding of the social roles of children as simultaneously active and vulnerable social agents across temporal and cultural space. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the utility of adult paleopathology in the identification of culturally meaningful stages of childhood social development and the entanglement of vulnerability and agency. To meet this aim, we will present a case study of a late-prehistoric Erie woman who likely suffered from Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease of the hip. We argue that the timing and aetiology of Perthes disease are consistent with the practice of agricultural activities by about age seven, and possibly, with a shift in social responsibilities at this time.

(Re)presentation of dental wear for ethical consideration: Analysis of a digital how‐to guide

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Sex-related morbidity and mortality in non-adult individuals from the Early Medieval site of Valdaro (Italy): the contribution of dental enamel peptide analysis

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A kétoldali aszimmetria fejlődésének vizsgálata történeti embertani anyagon

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