Poster presentation at the 2006 meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Anchorage, Alaska
A bioarchaeological perspective on sex, health, and identity at Tchecar (AD 700-900), northern Chile.
J.D. Burns, K.M. Eckhoff, C. Torres-Rouff. Department of Anthropology,
Colorado College
The San Pedro oases are located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. We
examined 193 individuals from Tchecar (AD 700-900), a site occupied during a
time of peace and affluence in the Atacama. Bioarchaeological data was collected
regarding overall health and body modifications in order to assess quality of
life during this prosperous time as compared to later, tumultuous, periods.
Our analyses show that cranial modification parallels that in contemporary cemeteries,
with the presence of both of the major Andean forms and nearly a third of the
population modified (63/193). We observed low rates of nutritional deficiencies
(cribra orbitalia: 3/193; porotic hyperostosis: 1/193; enamel hypoplasia: 11/155)
demonstrating access to a broad range of foods and a balanced diet. In contrast,
dental health data show high rates of caries (100/190) and dental wear. Together
with the very high rate of antemortem tooth loss in adults (148/161), this suggests
high consumption of carbohydrates and foods ground with mortar and pestle. These
data are in keeping with the idea that Atacameños practiced agriculture
and pastoralism. Cranial trauma was centered on the nasal bones and was present
in about 10% of the sample, all adults (21/193), suggesting that face-to-face
confrontations, primarily between men, were a focus of violence in this society.
These data reveal a population that was in good health outside of their dentition,
especially compared to individuals from subsequent periods, and was well integrated
into cultural practices of the time.
Supported by the Venture and Jones Funds, Colorado College.
click here to download a pdf of our poster (~5 mb)