Twelve unidentified skeletons as remains of an epidemic or famine in Northern Finland

Abstract

Abstract:Skeletal remains of 12 individuals were found in a grave in a tar-burning pit. There were no coffins or other belongings to help with identification or reveal the cause of death. Methods: Forensic osteological and odontological methods were used to establish sex, age and height. Histological and chemical tests, including the determination of C-14 content, were applied to dating the skeletal remains. Results: Out of 12 skeletons, 8 were adults; 5 females, 2 males and 1 probable female. Four skeletons belonged to children (ages 1-12 years). The bones had been in the grave for more than 100 years as concluded from the deterioration of the distal parts, embrittling of the surface to 1 mm depth. C-14 results gave the radiocarbon years 95 +/-65 Bp (before present, i.e., 1950 iron foundry". The excavator dug up pieces of bones which were identified as parts of a human skull. The police were immediately informed and the area was isolated. The grave was investigated by the police, a forensic pathologist and an archaeologist.The finding aroused great interest in the newspapers and rumours circulated about the origin of the grave; for instance, it was claimed that a clandestine burial of victims of an execution had occurred in 1918 during the Finnish civil war. Due to the great public interest, it was decided that a more thorough investigation than usual should be undertaken.Moreover, we think that it is important to gain practical experience of the preservation of body remains in ground that is frozen six months a year, a situation that is not encountered in Central Europe.The aims of the study 1.To reveal the time, circumstances and cause of this exceptional group burial. 2.To determine the minimum number of individuals and their biological profiles (including sex, age and stature). 3.To determine the causes and manner of death.

New and Emerging Prospects for the Paleopathological Study of Starvation

“…Nonetheless, the use of these indicators in conjunction with other skeletal evidence to infer starvation has frequently been employed in past bioarchaeological studies (e.g. Geber 2014;Huumonen et al 2016;Lobdell 1984) and may continue to be warranted.…”