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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:prism="http://prismstandard.org/namespaces/basic/2.0/" version="2.0"> <channel> <title>Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</title> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R</link> <description>Table of Contents for International Journal of Osteoarchaeology. List of articles from both the latest and EarlyView issues.</description> <language>en-US</language> <copyright>© John Wiley & Sons Ltd</copyright> <managingEditor>wileyonlinelibrary@wiley.com (Wiley Online Library)</managingEditor> <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:48:04 +0000</pubDate> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:48:04 +0000</lastBuildDate> <generator>Atypon® Literatum™</generator> <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs> <ttl>10080</ttl> <dc:title>Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</dc:title> <dc:publisher>Wiley</dc:publisher> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <atom:link href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R" rel="self" type="application/atom+xml"/> <image> <title>Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</title> <url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/pb-assets/journal-banners/10991212.jpg</url> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R</link> </image> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70037?af=R</link> <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 02:00:05 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-13T02:00:05-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70037</guid> <title>Stable Isotopic Study on Horse Feeding Strategies in the Zhou Dynasty of Ancient China</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTHorses played a crucial role in military, ritual, and labor activities in ancient China, but our knowledge of their feeding practices is mostly limited to literature records. To investigate how this important livestock was fed in the Zhou Dynasty (1046–220 bce), this study analyzed stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of fifty bone and five tooth samples from horses discovered in Sanmenxia, Luoyang, and Zhengzhou of Henan Province. Bone isotope data from the Western Zhou period (1046–771 bce) indicate a predominance of C4 plants in the diet (δ13C = −7.6‰ ± 0.6‰, δ15N = 6.6‰ ± 0.5‰; n = 4), with millet grain and straw likely serving as supplementary fodder alongside grass. In contrast, tooth isotopic values (δ13C = −10.3‰ ± 2.9‰, δ15N = 6.2‰ ± 0.8‰; n = 5) suggest variable early‐life diets, implying that horses buried together may have originated from different pastures but were later gathered and fed a common diet at a single location for a relatively long time prior to burial. Feeding strategies shifted significantly during the following Eastern Zhou period (770–220 bce). A marked decrease in bone carbon isotope values reflects a substantial increase in C3 plant consumption (δ13C = −13.7‰ ± 2.3‰, δ15N = 6.4‰ ± 0.8‰; n = 46). Considering the archaeological context of this time period, wheat, barley, and their straw were likely incorporated into horse fodder beside wild grass. Intersite isotopic variations likely reflect diverse horse origins. Individuals interred in large pits probably derived from multiple sources, while those in smaller pits likely came from single farms. These findings provide valuable insights into the scale of horse husbandry and shift in fodder management practices, as well as the influence of the agricultural shift from millet to wheat in central China during the Zhou Dynasty.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Horses played a crucial role in military, ritual, and labor activities in ancient China, but our knowledge of their feeding practices is mostly limited to literature records. To investigate how this important livestock was fed in the Zhou Dynasty (1046–220 <span class="smallCaps">bce</span>), this study analyzed stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes of fifty bone and five tooth samples from horses discovered in Sanmenxia, Luoyang, and Zhengzhou of Henan Province. Bone isotope data from the Western Zhou period (1046–771 <span class="smallCaps">bce</span>) indicate a predominance of C<sub>4</sub> plants in the diet (<i>δ</i><sup>13</sup>C = −7.6‰ ± 0.6‰, <i>δ</i><sup>15</sup>N = 6.6‰ ± 0.5‰; <i>n</i> = 4), with millet grain and straw likely serving as supplementary fodder alongside grass. In contrast, tooth isotopic values (<i>δ</i><sup>13</sup>C = −10.3‰ ± 2.9‰, <i>δ</i><sup>15</sup>N = 6.2‰ ± 0.8‰; <i>n</i> = 5) suggest variable early-life diets, implying that horses buried together may have originated from different pastures but were later gathered and fed a common diet at a single location for a relatively long time prior to burial. Feeding strategies shifted significantly during the following Eastern Zhou period (770–220 <span class="smallCaps">bce</span>). A marked decrease in bone carbon isotope values reflects a substantial increase in C<sub>3</sub> plant consumption (<i>δ</i><sup>13</sup>C = −13.7‰ ± 2.3‰, <i>δ</i><sup>15</sup>N = 6.4‰ ± 0.8‰; <i>n</i> = 46). Considering the archaeological context of this time period, wheat, barley, and their straw were likely incorporated into horse fodder beside wild grass. Intersite isotopic variations likely reflect diverse horse origins. Individuals interred in large pits probably derived from multiple sources, while those in smaller pits likely came from single farms. These findings provide valuable insights into the scale of horse husbandry and shift in fodder management practices, as well as the influence of the agricultural shift from millet to wheat in central China during the Zhou Dynasty.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Yanfeng Hou, Weiwei Han, Jinping Cao, Ligang Zhou</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Stable Isotopic Study on Horse Feeding Strategies in the Zhou Dynasty of Ancient China</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70037</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70037</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70037?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70029?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:29:56 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-10T12:29:56-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70029</guid> <title>From the Womb to the Tomb: Identifying Calving Deaths in Archaeology</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTDystocia, or difficult birth, is a major cause of maternal and neonatal mortality in both human and animal populations, yet its archaeological visibility remains remarkably low. This paper explores the diagnostic potential of archaeological deposits of pregnant livestock, particularly cattle, to identify cases of calving‐related mortality. A medieval cattle burial from Téteghem in northern France provides an illustration of a fetal malposition that resulted in the death of both mother and calf due to a retained right forelimb, a fairly common accident in cattle. An avulsion fracture on the calf's left metacarpal further suggests an attempt at forced extraction, implying the calving was attended, but by persons with little obstetrical training. Although the case of Téteghem is particularly illustrative, it is not unique. Drawing on examples from prehistoric to late modern contexts, we highlight other instances of fetal malpresentation, suspected uterine torsion, and maternal pelvic deformity, all suggestive of fatal obstetric complications. The reasons for which such cases are underreported are then explored, and we propose a series of best‐practice recommendations for field and lab work. Ultimately, greater awareness and systematic recording of obstetric pathologies in animal burials can offer valuable insights into past animal management, veterinary knowledge, and the economic impact of reproductive loss.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Dystocia, or difficult birth, is a major cause of maternal and neonatal mortality in both human and animal populations, yet its archaeological visibility remains remarkably low. This paper explores the diagnostic potential of archaeological deposits of pregnant livestock, particularly cattle, to identify cases of calving-related mortality. A medieval cattle burial from Téteghem in northern France provides an illustration of a fetal malposition that resulted in the death of both mother and calf due to a retained right forelimb, a fairly common accident in cattle. An avulsion fracture on the calf's left metacarpal further suggests an attempt at forced extraction, implying the calving was attended, but by persons with little obstetrical training. Although the case of Téteghem is particularly illustrative, it is not unique. Drawing on examples from prehistoric to late modern contexts, we highlight other instances of fetal malpresentation, suspected uterine torsion, and maternal pelvic deformity, all suggestive of fatal obstetric complications. The reasons for which such cases are underreported are then explored, and we propose a series of best-practice recommendations for field and lab work. Ultimately, greater awareness and systematic recording of obstetric pathologies in animal burials can offer valuable insights into past animal management, veterinary knowledge, and the economic impact of reproductive loss.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Annelise Binois‐Roman</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>From the Womb to the Tomb: Identifying Calving Deaths in Archaeology</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70029</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70029</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70029?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70038?af=R</link> <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:50:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-09T12:50:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70038</guid> <title>Weaponry and a Healed Wound From the Parthian Era (247 bce to 224 ce): Insights From the Liyarsangbon Cemetery, Guilan, Iran</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe current research examines the health and medical treatment implications associated with an iron arrowhead found among the skeletal remains of an individual unearthed from the Parthian cemetery at Liyarsangbon, Iran. This site is dated to the period between 247 bc and ad 224, as determined through relative dating methods. Non‐invasive testing methods, including XRF and Quantometer analysis, established the elemental composition of grave artifacts, while CT Hounsfield scans assessed damage around the arrowhead within the bone. The soil exhibited a pH level of 8.67, signifying its alkaline nature. Among the metallic residues surrounding the subject of investigation, iron was identified as the predominant metal, with average concentrations of 89.93 (XRF) and 90.93 (Quantometer). A Hounsfield unit measurement of 4000 suggested a metallic object within the bone. This study focuses on the production of iron artifacts and examines their practical effectiveness. The intricate design of the arrowhead, characterized by its sharp precision, underscores the advanced level of craftsmanship within the toolmaking industry and reflects a high degree of expertise in metallurgy. Its ability to penetrate deeply into the lateral condyle of the right tibia serves as a testament to the skill and technological sophistication involved in its creation. Conversely, the inability to remove the embedded arrowhead from the bone reveals the constraints and shortcomings in the surgical practices of this particular society, shedding light on the limitations of medical techniques during that era.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The current research examines the health and medical treatment implications associated with an iron arrowhead found among the skeletal remains of an individual unearthed from the Parthian cemetery at Liyarsangbon, Iran. This site is dated to the period between 247 <span class="smallCaps">bc</span> and <span class="smallCaps">ad</span> 224, as determined through relative dating methods. Non-invasive testing methods, including XRF and Quantometer analysis, established the elemental composition of grave artifacts, while CT Hounsfield scans assessed damage around the arrowhead within the bone. The soil exhibited a pH level of 8.67, signifying its alkaline nature. Among the metallic residues surrounding the subject of investigation, iron was identified as the predominant metal, with average concentrations of 89.93 (XRF) and 90.93 (Quantometer). A Hounsfield unit measurement of 4000 suggested a metallic object within the bone. This study focuses on the production of iron artifacts and examines their practical effectiveness. The intricate design of the arrowhead, characterized by its sharp precision, underscores the advanced level of craftsmanship within the toolmaking industry and reflects a high degree of expertise in metallurgy. Its ability to penetrate deeply into the lateral condyle of the right tibia serves as a testament to the skill and technological sophistication involved in its creation. Conversely, the inability to remove the embedded arrowhead from the bone reveals the constraints and shortcomings in the surgical practices of this particular society, shedding light on the limitations of medical techniques during that era.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Mohammad Reza Eghdami, Majid Gholamzadeh Roudbordeh, Meysam Navaeiyan</dc:creator> <category>SHORT REPORT</category> <dc:title>Weaponry and a Healed Wound From the Parthian Era (247 bce to 224 ce): Insights From the Liyarsangbon Cemetery, Guilan, Iran</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70038</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70038</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70038?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>SHORT REPORT</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70032?af=R</link> <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 01:01:50 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-08T01:01:50-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70032</guid> <title>Neanderthals Among Bird Accumulators on French Mediterranean Coasts: The Case of Les Ramandils Cave (Port‐la‐Nouvelle, Aude, Southern France)</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTOver the last few decades, taphonomic analyses of micro‐ and mesovertebrate remains have demonstrated that the procurement of small, agile prey including birds by hominins began long before the Upper Paleolithic. It is now well established that Neanderthals exploited birds as food but also for nonedible (e.g., aesthetic, symbolic, or utilitarian) purposes. However, clarification is needed regarding the frequency of such practices in relation to the geographical and chronological framework. Les Ramandils Cave, located on the French Mediterranean coast, recorded Middle Paleolithic layers dated to MIS 5 and provided a rich archaeological assemblage that includes lithic tools, butchered faunal remains, and human bones. Hundreds of avian remains were also recovered. The aim of this paper is to determine the origin of the bird accumulation by applying commonly used zooarchaeological analysis methods to an assemblage of more than 900 unstudied bird bones, including microscopic observation of the bone surface modifications produced by any potential accumulator agent. Our results show that birds were brought inside the cave by various predators, including humans. Neanderthals exploited several families of birds for food but also for raw material collection, as suggested by cut marks located on inedible elements, among which is an ungual phalanx of a large bird of prey (accipitrid).</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Over the last few decades, taphonomic analyses of micro- and mesovertebrate remains have demonstrated that the procurement of small, agile prey including birds by hominins began long before the Upper Paleolithic. It is now well established that Neanderthals exploited birds as food but also for nonedible (e.g., aesthetic, symbolic, or utilitarian) purposes. However, clarification is needed regarding the frequency of such practices in relation to the geographical and chronological framework. Les Ramandils Cave, located on the French Mediterranean coast, recorded Middle Paleolithic layers dated to MIS 5 and provided a rich archaeological assemblage that includes lithic tools, butchered faunal remains, and human bones. Hundreds of avian remains were also recovered. The aim of this paper is to determine the origin of the bird accumulation by applying commonly used zooarchaeological analysis methods to an assemblage of more than 900 unstudied bird bones, including microscopic observation of the bone surface modifications produced by any potential accumulator agent. Our results show that birds were brought inside the cave by various predators, including humans. Neanderthals exploited several families of birds for food but also for raw material collection, as suggested by cut marks located on inedible elements, among which is an ungual phalanx of a large bird of prey (accipitrid).</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Thomas Garcia‐Fermet</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Neanderthals Among Bird Accumulators on French Mediterranean Coasts: The Case of Les Ramandils Cave (Port‐la‐Nouvelle, Aude, Southern France)</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70032</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70032</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70032?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70036?af=R</link> <pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:39:30 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-05T06:39:30-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70036</guid> <title>Roman Republican Subsistence Strategies: The Case of Compartment 2 at Castelo Velho de Safara, Portugal</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThis study examines the zooarchaeological remains from Castelo Velho de Safara, southern Portugal, to explore subsistence strategies and economic practices during the Roman Republican occupation. Located on a naturally defensive platform, the site reveals a rich stratigraphic sequence spanning from the Chalcolithic to the early Roman Empire. The analysis of faunal remains recovered from Compartment 2 focuses on taxonomic identification, anatomical representation, age‐at‐death profiles, and bone surface modifications to understand the dietary habits and resource management strategies of its inhabitants. Results indicate a mixed subsistence strategy combining domestic species with significant contributions from wild animals, like red deer and rabbits. Butchery marks, fracture patterns, and burning evidence demonstrate systematic meat processing practices, while the presence of worked astragali and horn artifacts suggests cultural and functional activities beyond subsistence. These finds emphasize the role of hunting and animal husbandry in the site's economy. This study contributes to our understanding of human–environment interactions, subsistence strategies, and the cultural dynamics of militarized communities in the western Iberian Peninsula during the Roman Republican period.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>This study examines the zooarchaeological remains from Castelo Velho de Safara, southern Portugal, to explore subsistence strategies and economic practices during the Roman Republican occupation. Located on a naturally defensive platform, the site reveals a rich stratigraphic sequence spanning from the Chalcolithic to the early Roman Empire. The analysis of faunal remains recovered from Compartment 2 focuses on taxonomic identification, anatomical representation, age-at-death profiles, and bone surface modifications to understand the dietary habits and resource management strategies of its inhabitants. Results indicate a mixed subsistence strategy combining domestic species with significant contributions from wild animals, like red deer and rabbits. Butchery marks, fracture patterns, and burning evidence demonstrate systematic meat processing practices, while the presence of worked astragali and horn artifacts suggests cultural and functional activities beyond subsistence. These finds emphasize the role of hunting and animal husbandry in the site's economy. This study contributes to our understanding of human–environment interactions, subsistence strategies, and the cultural dynamics of militarized communities in the western Iberian Peninsula during the Roman Republican period.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Catarina Ochôa, Rui Monge Soares, Mariana Nabais</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Roman Republican Subsistence Strategies: The Case of Compartment 2 at Castelo Velho de Safara, Portugal</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70036</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70036</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70036?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70039?af=R</link> <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:42:01 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-04T10:42:01-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70039</guid> <title>Writing Osteoarchaeology Case Studies and Short Reports That Attract Attention</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description/> <content:encoded/> <dc:creator>Piers D. Mitchell, Robin Bendrey</dc:creator> <category>EDITORIAL</category> <dc:title>Writing Osteoarchaeology Case Studies and Short Reports That Attract Attention</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70039</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70039</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70039?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>EDITORIAL</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70035?af=R</link> <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:49:44 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-02T03:49:44-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70035</guid> <title>Atlas for the Identification of Sturgeon Species of Europe by Skeletal Elements and Implications for Its Use in Archaeozoology</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThis paper presents a comprehensive photographic atlas for the identification of sturgeon species in Europe based on skeletal elements. The atlas aims to facilitate accurate species identification of sturgeons from archaeological sites across Europe by providing photographs of key skeletal elements and main body measurements. These data were collected from examinations of 42 specimens representing eight sturgeon species and two intergeneric hybrids. The atlas covers 22 skeletal elements, focusing on those most commonly preserved in the context of archaeological sites and useful for species‐level identification. This resource is intended to support archaeozoologists in their efforts to reconstruct past human activities, trade networks, and environmental conditions. It can also contribute to current conservation efforts by documenting the diversity and distribution of individual species‐level taxa of sturgeons in the historical past of Europe.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>This paper presents a comprehensive photographic atlas for the identification of sturgeon species in Europe based on skeletal elements. The atlas aims to facilitate accurate species identification of sturgeons from archaeological sites across Europe by providing photographs of key skeletal elements and main body measurements. These data were collected from examinations of 42 specimens representing eight sturgeon species and two intergeneric hybrids. The atlas covers 22 skeletal elements, focusing on those most commonly preserved in the context of archaeological sites and useful for species-level identification. This resource is intended to support archaeozoologists in their efforts to reconstruct past human activities, trade networks, and environmental conditions. It can also contribute to current conservation efforts by documenting the diversity and distribution of individual species-level taxa of sturgeons in the historical past of Europe.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Tyt Volynskyi, Nathalie Desse‐Berset, Ivana Živaljević, Leonid Gorobets, Oleksandr Kovalchuk</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Atlas for the Identification of Sturgeon Species of Europe by Skeletal Elements and Implications for Its Use in Archaeozoology</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70035</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70035</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70035?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70026?af=R</link> <pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:34:13 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-01T10:34:13-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70026</guid> <title>First Identification of Bone Whistle‐Use in Dynastic Egypt</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTDespite over 200 years of intensive academic interest in Pharaonic Egypt, little focus has been given to understanding the production, use, and diversity of the osseous material culture created by this enigmatic culture. Here, the authors present the identification of a bone whistle recovered from the Eighteenth Dynasty (late 14th century bc) city of Akhetaten (modern Amarna), Middle Egypt. Found at the Stone Village, a peripheral workers' settlement, this object fits with ideas that this community was heavily policed because of their proximity to the royal cemetery and likely connection to work on the royal tombs. Significantly, this object is the first of its kind identified in a dynastic context and demonstrates the potential insights that wait to be gained from intensive examination of Egypt's osseous technologies.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Despite over 200 years of intensive academic interest in Pharaonic Egypt, little focus has been given to understanding the production, use, and diversity of the osseous material culture created by this enigmatic culture. Here, the authors present the identification of a bone whistle recovered from the Eighteenth Dynasty (late 14<sup>th</sup> century <span class="smallCaps">bc</span>) city of Akhetaten (modern Amarna), Middle Egypt. Found at the Stone Village, a peripheral workers' settlement, this object fits with ideas that this community was heavily policed because of their proximity to the royal cemetery and likely connection to work on the royal tombs. Significantly, this object is the first of its kind identified in a dynastic context and demonstrates the potential insights that wait to be gained from intensive examination of Egypt's osseous technologies.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Michelle C. Langley, Anna Stevens, Christopher Stimpson</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>First Identification of Bone Whistle‐Use in Dynastic Egypt</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70026</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70026</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70026?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70027?af=R</link> <pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:09:13 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-09-01T12:09:13-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70027</guid> <title>Exploring the Possibility of Successive Breeding of Chickens in the Yayoi Culture, Japan</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTChickens are domestic animals whose main ancestor is the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), and their natural habitat is Southeast Asia and Southern China. Domestic chickens were brought to the Japanese archipelago by the middle of the Yayoi period (4th–3rd bce). Research on chicken sexual dimorphism shows that Yayoi‐era (10th bce–3rd ce) birds were mostly male, hindering widespread breeding across Japan. In the 2011 research area at the Karakami site in Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 18 Phasianidae bones were identified in a large ditch estimated to have been buried in the late Yayoi period. Although the tarsometatarsus and tibiotarsus were found to belong to chickens based on their morphological characteristics, it was impossible to determine whether the other bones, including the four juvenile bones, were derived from chickens. In our previous study, we established a method to distinguish between the bones of Japanese wild pheasants and chickens by using collagen peptide fingerprinting (ZooMS). In this study, we conducted ZooMS species identification of zooarchaeological bird remains and determined the sex of chicken remains in Karakami. We found six mature Phasianidae remains belonging to chickens, five of which were assumed to be males based on their sexual dimorphism. However, all five immature bird bones, including the three previously identified Phasianidae bones, were not derived from either chickens or Galliformes. These results do not support successful breeding of chickens at the Karakami site. Chickens were thought to have been brought to the Japanese archipelago from the Korean Peninsula through Iki Island. Further studies must determine when chickens were introduced to Iki Island and whether they included both males and females during their earliest introduction to Iki Island and the Japanese archipelago.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Chickens are domestic animals whose main ancestor is the red junglefowl (<i>Gallus gallus</i>), and their natural habitat is Southeast Asia and Southern China. Domestic chickens were brought to the Japanese archipelago by the middle of the Yayoi period (4th–3rd <span class="smallCaps">bce</span>). Research on chicken sexual dimorphism shows that Yayoi-era (10th <span class="smallCaps">bce</span>–3rd <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>) birds were mostly male, hindering widespread breeding across Japan. In the 2011 research area at the Karakami site in Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 18 Phasianidae bones were identified in a large ditch estimated to have been buried in the late Yayoi period. Although the tarsometatarsus and tibiotarsus were found to belong to chickens based on their morphological characteristics, it was impossible to determine whether the other bones, including the four juvenile bones, were derived from chickens. In our previous study, we established a method to distinguish between the bones of Japanese wild pheasants and chickens by using collagen peptide fingerprinting (ZooMS). In this study, we conducted ZooMS species identification of zooarchaeological bird remains and determined the sex of chicken remains in Karakami. We found six mature Phasianidae remains belonging to chickens, five of which were assumed to be males based on their sexual dimorphism. However, all five immature bird bones, including the three previously identified Phasianidae bones, were not derived from either chickens or Galliformes. These results do not support successful breeding of chickens at the Karakami site. Chickens were thought to have been brought to the Japanese archipelago from the Korean Peninsula through Iki Island. Further studies must determine when chickens were introduced to Iki Island and whether they included both males and females during their earliest introduction to Iki Island and the Japanese archipelago.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Masaki Eda, Hiroe Izumi, Yuji Matsumi</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Exploring the Possibility of Successive Breeding of Chickens in the Yayoi Culture, Japan</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70027</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70027</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70027?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70024?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:00:41 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-27T11:00:41-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70024</guid> <title>The Effect of Soft Tissues in Burnt Human Skeletal Remains</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThis review investigates the potential impact of soft tissues in heat‐induced bone changes. This is relevant to assess the adequacy of heat exposure experiments carried out on bones, an increasingly popular approach. Concerns exist that experiments on dry bones might not accurately represent human remains from archaeological cremation. Therefore, a literature review of data obtained from burnt dry and fresh bones was carried out to identify potential differences in the manifestation of heat‐induced changes according to the pre‐burning condition. The literature suggests that while soft tissues can affect the timing of heat exposure, they do not fundamentally alter the bone response to heat. Warping and thumbnail fractures occur more often in bones with soft tissues but are likely related to collagen content. Color variations are more likely due to soil staining rather than the presence of soft tissues. Shrinkage is primarily due to organics and water losses and bone structural changes, while soft tissues seem to play no role in it. Mass loss may seem greater in fresh bones, but this is most probably due to prior mass loss experienced by previously inhumed dry bones. At the microstructural level, soft tissues also offer a temporary protective effect, but the bone normal response to heat seems to be resumed after that effect ends. The molecular and crystal structure, as well as the elemental composition, do not seem notably changed by the pre‐burning condition of bones. In summary, soft tissues mainly delay heat‐induced changes and do not appear to cause different bone responses. Both dry and fresh bones seem to be viable choices to experimentally study burnt skeletal remains.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>This review investigates the potential impact of soft tissues in heat-induced bone changes. This is relevant to assess the adequacy of heat exposure experiments carried out on bones, an increasingly popular approach. Concerns exist that experiments on dry bones might not accurately represent human remains from archaeological cremation. Therefore, a literature review of data obtained from burnt dry and fresh bones was carried out to identify potential differences in the manifestation of heat-induced changes according to the pre-burning condition. The literature suggests that while soft tissues can affect the timing of heat exposure, they do not fundamentally alter the bone response to heat. Warping and thumbnail fractures occur more often in bones with soft tissues but are likely related to collagen content. Color variations are more likely due to soil staining rather than the presence of soft tissues. Shrinkage is primarily due to organics and water losses and bone structural changes, while soft tissues seem to play no role in it. Mass loss may seem greater in fresh bones, but this is most probably due to prior mass loss experienced by previously inhumed dry bones. At the microstructural level, soft tissues also offer a temporary protective effect, but the bone normal response to heat seems to be resumed after that effect ends. The molecular and crystal structure, as well as the elemental composition, do not seem notably changed by the pre-burning condition of bones. In summary, soft tissues mainly delay heat-induced changes and do not appear to cause different bone responses. Both dry and fresh bones seem to be viable choices to experimentally study burnt skeletal remains.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>David Gonçalves</dc:creator> <category>REVIEW</category> <dc:title>The Effect of Soft Tissues in Burnt Human Skeletal Remains</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70024</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70024</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70024?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>REVIEW</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70022?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:51:58 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-27T04:51:58-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70022</guid> <title>Anthropological, Pathological, and Historical Analyses of a Mummified Cranium From Bolivia Hosted in the Museum of Cantonal Archaeology and History of Lausanne, Switzerland</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe past decade has seen a worldwide tendency to re‐examine human remains found in old museum collections. These studies look at the provenance of the remains, the way they ended up in specific collections, the context from which they are likely issued, and all the parameters implicated in their current presence in museum custody. Whenever human remains are involved, to obtain a full picture of the life history of the individuals under consideration, an anthropological study might be mandated, although this approach is not yet systematic.This was the case for individual I Y‐001 from the Museum of Cantonal Archaeology and History of Lausanne, Switzerland. During the provenance analyses conducted, this individual, represented by a naturally mummified cranium and neck, underwent a taphonomical and anthropological assessment, supported by a CT scan. Our findings show that I Y‐001, an adult man, underwent an attempted trepanation before his death. He suffered from an abscess in his maxilla, and his remains were naturally mummified due to exposure to a dry and cold climate.These findings are in line with the alleged origin of the remains, which were reportedly taken from an archaeological ruin by a Swiss entrepreneur, Louis Kuffré (1840–1912), in the late 1800s –early 1900s, in present‐day Bolivia. At the time, sending human remains back to European museums was common practice, as attested by written exchanges between collectors and anthropologists.By investigating the collection's archives, through anthropological and historical analysis, and reconstituting both the biography of the collector and the life history of individual I Y‐001, we are able to contextualize the remains, give them back their rightful history, and envisage their future preservation with a sound understanding of the known and unknowns of them.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The past decade has seen a worldwide tendency to re-examine human remains found in old museum collections. These studies look at the provenance of the remains, the way they ended up in specific collections, the context from which they are likely issued, and all the parameters implicated in their current presence in museum custody. Whenever human remains are involved, to obtain a full picture of the life history of the individuals under consideration, an anthropological study might be mandated, although this approach is not yet systematic.</p><p>This was the case for individual I Y-001 from the Museum of Cantonal Archaeology and History of Lausanne, Switzerland. During the provenance analyses conducted, this individual, represented by a naturally mummified cranium and neck, underwent a taphonomical and anthropological assessment, supported by a CT scan. Our findings show that I Y-001, an adult man, underwent an attempted trepanation before his death. He suffered from an abscess in his maxilla, and his remains were naturally mummified due to exposure to a dry and cold climate.</p><p>These findings are in line with the alleged origin of the remains, which were reportedly taken from an archaeological ruin by a Swiss entrepreneur, Louis Kuffré (1840–1912), in the late 1800s –early 1900s, in present-day Bolivia. At the time, sending human remains back to European museums was common practice, as attested by written exchanges between collectors and anthropologists.</p><p>By investigating the collection's archives, through anthropological and historical analysis, and reconstituting both the biography of the collector and the life history of individual I Y-001, we are able to contextualize the remains, give them back their rightful history, and envisage their future preservation with a sound understanding of the known and unknowns of them.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Abegg Claudine, Kammermann Sabine, Magnin Virginie, Brizon Claire</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Anthropological, Pathological, and Historical Analyses of a Mummified Cranium From Bolivia Hosted in the Museum of Cantonal Archaeology and History of Lausanne, Switzerland</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70022</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70022</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70022?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70030?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:45:17 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-27T04:45:17-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70030</guid> <title>Comparing Dental Microwear in the Populations at an Iron Age (c. 4010 BP) and Early Historic (c. 2600 BP) Site in South India</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTDental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) has proven to be a valuable tool for separating bioarchaeological samples by subsistence practice, preferred diet, food‐processing technology, and cooking method. In this study, we compared samples of individuals from two South Indian sites—an Iron Age site (Adichchanallur, ~4010 BP, n = 27) and an Early Historical site (Keeladi, ~2600 BP, n = 31). Both samples represent farming communities that likely had broadly similar diets dominated by cultivated rice and mung beans, wild nuts and pulses, and both domesticated cattle and wild game. Moreover, the archaeological evidence indicates that both communities used mortar and pestle for food preparation and employed similar cooking technologies, as inferred from the shapes of pots found at the sites. Furthermore, the two populations exhibited cultural continuity and lived in similar ecozones. However, the earlier Adichchanallur settlement represented a town with rural features, while the later Keeladi site was more of an urban population center. We hypothesized that samples from the earlier rural population would have more complex microwear textures than the samples from a predominantly later urban population given that today urban communities in India tend to consume softer, more processed foodstuffs than rural populations, which often eat coarser, less processed food items. High‐resolution molar replicas were prepared and analyzed by DMTA. Results indicate that, contrary to expectation, individuals from the later, more urban site had significantly higher texture complexity values than did those from the earlier, more rural one. This finding confirms results of previous studies indicating that microwear signatures can distinguish bioarchaeological samples but also shows that the implications of observed differences for past lifeways can be difficult to interpret.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) has proven to be a valuable tool for separating bioarchaeological samples by subsistence practice, preferred diet, food-processing technology, and cooking method. In this study, we compared samples of individuals from two South Indian sites—an Iron Age site (Adichchanallur, ~4010 BP, <i>n</i> = 27) and an Early Historical site (Keeladi, ~2600 BP, <i>n</i> = 31). Both samples represent farming communities that likely had broadly similar diets dominated by cultivated rice and mung beans, wild nuts and pulses, and both domesticated cattle and wild game. Moreover, the archaeological evidence indicates that both communities used mortar and pestle for food preparation and employed similar cooking technologies, as inferred from the shapes of pots found at the sites. Furthermore, the two populations exhibited cultural continuity and lived in similar ecozones. However, the earlier Adichchanallur settlement represented a town with rural features, while the later Keeladi site was more of an urban population center. We hypothesized that samples from the earlier rural population would have more complex microwear textures than the samples from a predominantly later urban population given that today urban communities in India tend to consume softer, more processed foodstuffs than rural populations, which often eat coarser, less processed food items. High-resolution molar replicas were prepared and analyzed by DMTA. Results indicate that, contrary to expectation, individuals from the later, more urban site had significantly higher texture complexity values than did those from the earlier, more rural one. This finding confirms results of previous studies indicating that microwear signatures can distinguish bioarchaeological samples but also shows that the implications of observed differences for past lifeways can be difficult to interpret.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Ruokuonuo Rose Yhome, K. Rajan, R. Sivanantham, M. Ramesh, R. Ajaykumar, R. Kaviya, M. Suresh, T. Arun Raj, V. P. Yathees Kumar, Peter S. Ungar</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Comparing Dental Microwear in the Populations at an Iron Age (c. 4010 BP) and Early Historic (c. 2600 BP) Site in South India</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70030</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70030</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70030?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70033?af=R</link> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:25:22 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-26T08:25:22-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70033</guid> <title>Maya Sequential Burials and Subsistence Change at the Prehispanic Site of Caledonia, Cayo District, Belize: The Radiocarbon Evidence</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTFrom the Late Preclassic to Terminal Classic periods (300 bce–900 ce), the Maya people at the site of Caledonia, Cayo District, Belize, interred their dead within site architecture. Four burials containing the remains of at least 21 individuals were uncovered during excavations and were relatively dated using typologies developed from the ceramics recovered from the burial contexts. The single older adult female who may have been bundled in Burial 5 was dated to the Late Preclassic (250 bce–250 ce) and was determined to be the oldest at the site. Burial 1 contained the remains of eight adults and one child interred from the Early Classic to the beginning of the Late Classic periods (450–650 ce) and is thought to be a sequentially used family tomb. Burials 3 and 4 were both buried during the Late Classic (600–900 ce), although the latter appears to be a sequentially used family tomb like Burial 1 and the former appears to be a nonfunerary ceremonial context possibly containing the remains of bundled or secondary burials. New radiocarbon dates presented here confirm the relative chronology developed for Caledonia and reveal that Burials 1 and 4 were indeed sequentially used over several centuries. When combined with existing stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope data, the radiocarbon dating also reveals a general decreased reliance on maize‐based protein from the limestone‐rich Vaca Plateau over time, which may be linked with climate trends and sociopolitical reorganization at the site.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>From the Late Preclassic to Terminal Classic periods (300 <span class="smallCaps">bce–</span>900 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>), the Maya people at the site of Caledonia, Cayo District, Belize, interred their dead within site architecture. Four burials containing the remains of at least 21 individuals were uncovered during excavations and were relatively dated using typologies developed from the ceramics recovered from the burial contexts. The single older adult female who may have been bundled in Burial 5 was dated to the Late Preclassic (250 <span class="smallCaps">bce–</span>250 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>) and was determined to be the oldest at the site. Burial 1 contained the remains of eight adults and one child interred from the Early Classic to the beginning of the Late Classic periods (450–650 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>) and is thought to be a sequentially used family tomb. Burials 3 and 4 were both buried during the Late Classic (600–900 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>), although the latter appears to be a sequentially used family tomb like Burial 1 and the former appears to be a nonfunerary ceremonial context possibly containing the remains of bundled or secondary burials. New radiocarbon dates presented here confirm the relative chronology developed for Caledonia and reveal that Burials 1 and 4 were indeed sequentially used over several centuries. When combined with existing stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope data, the radiocarbon dating also reveals a general decreased reliance on maize-based protein from the limestone-rich Vaca Plateau over time, which may be linked with climate trends and sociopolitical reorganization at the site.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Asta J. Rand, Jan Romaniszyn, Jaime J. Awe, Julie A. Hoggarth, Richard Madgwick</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Maya Sequential Burials and Subsistence Change at the Prehispanic Site of Caledonia, Cayo District, Belize: The Radiocarbon Evidence</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70033</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70033</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70033?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70031?af=R</link> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 03:51:21 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-26T03:51:21-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70031</guid> <title>A Possible Case of β‐Thalassemia From the Cemetery of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli (Piedmont, Northern Italy,18th Century)</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTIn Italy's Piedmont region, the city of Vercelli has a history of malaria transmission due to favorable conditions for Anopheles mosquitoes, which may have influenced the genetic prevalence of thalassemia. This study investigates the skeletal remains of a nonadult individual from the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli, dating to the 18th century, and suggests possible pathological changes indicative of β‐thalassemia. The skeletal analysis reveals extensive pitting, marrow hyperplasia, cortical thinning, scalloped epiphyses, and a distinctive “rib‐within‐a‐rib” radiological appearance, which could be consistent with β‐thalassemia major and intermedia. While thalassemia is currently prevalent in Piedmont, no prior paleopathological evidence of the condition has been reported. This study highlights the diagnostic challenges in identifying β‐thalassemia in ancient populations due to similarities with other anemias and the absence of ancient DNA. The importance of combining skeletal analysis with historical and environmental contexts is emphasized to improve diagnostic accuracy. This research provides new insights into the historical presence of β‐thalassemia in Vercelli and underscores the potential influence of environmental factors and genetic disorders.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>In Italy's Piedmont region, the city of Vercelli has a history of malaria transmission due to favorable conditions for Anopheles mosquitoes, which may have influenced the genetic prevalence of thalassemia. This study investigates the skeletal remains of a nonadult individual from the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli, dating to the 18th century, and suggests possible pathological changes indicative of β-thalassemia. The skeletal analysis reveals extensive pitting, marrow hyperplasia, cortical thinning, scalloped epiphyses, and a distinctive “rib-within-a-rib” radiological appearance, which could be consistent with β-thalassemia major and intermedia. While thalassemia is currently prevalent in Piedmont, no prior paleopathological evidence of the condition has been reported. This study highlights the diagnostic challenges in identifying β-thalassemia in ancient populations due to similarities with other anemias and the absence of ancient DNA. The importance of combining skeletal analysis with historical and environmental contexts is emphasized to improve diagnostic accuracy. This research provides new insights into the historical presence of β-thalassemia in Vercelli and underscores the potential influence of environmental factors and genetic disorders.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>R. Fusco, C. Tesi, A. Mazzucchi, A. Vanni, M. Licata</dc:creator> <category>SHORT REPORT</category> <dc:title>A Possible Case of β‐Thalassemia From the Cemetery of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli (Piedmont, Northern Italy,18th Century)</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70031</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70031</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70031?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>SHORT REPORT</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70028?af=R</link> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 02:17:06 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-25T02:17:06-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70028</guid> <title>Dietary Tendencies Between Social and Religious Groups in Vilnius During the 13th–18th Centuries</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThis study examined the dietary tendencies of individuals from Vilnius, Lithuania, between the 13th and 18th centuries using stable isotope analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). Combining newly obtained stable isotope data with previously published data, 238 bulk collagen samples were analyzed, representing individuals from diverse socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. Statistical analyses, including one‐way ANOVA and univariate linear regression models, were applied to assess diachronic trends and dietary differences among social and religious groups. The results indicated a significant increase in δ15N values over time, suggesting a shift in dietary practices possibly influenced by economic, environmental, and cultural factors. This pattern likely reflected greater reliance on higher‐trophic‐level protein foods, such as freshwater fish or terrestrial animal products, along with likely manured crops. Additionally, differences among individuals of varying socioeconomic status suggested disparities in food access, with higher‐status individuals exhibiting increased δ15N values indicative of a protein‐rich diet. In contrast, lower‐status individuals may have consumed more plant‐based or lower‐trophic‐level foods. Dietary choices may have also been influenced by confession, as Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians exhibited distinct isotopic signatures, likely reflecting fasting traditions and dietary restrictions. These findings provide a better understanding of dietary variation in historical Vilnius, demonstrating how social, economic, and religious differences were reflected in the diet. By linking stable isotope data with historical and archaeological contexts, this study contributed to the growing research on past dietary practices in Late Medieval and Early Modern urban contexts.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>This study examined the dietary tendencies of individuals from Vilnius, Lithuania, between the 13th and 18th centuries using stable isotope analysis of carbon (δ<sup>13</sup>C) and nitrogen (δ<sup>15</sup>N). Combining newly obtained stable isotope data with previously published data, 238 bulk collagen samples were analyzed, representing individuals from diverse socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and univariate linear regression models, were applied to assess diachronic trends and dietary differences among social and religious groups. The results indicated a significant increase in δ<sup>15</sup>N values over time, suggesting a shift in dietary practices possibly influenced by economic, environmental, and cultural factors. This pattern likely reflected greater reliance on higher-trophic-level protein foods, such as freshwater fish or terrestrial animal products, along with likely manured crops. Additionally, differences among individuals of varying socioeconomic status suggested disparities in food access, with higher-status individuals exhibiting increased δ<sup>15</sup>N values indicative of a protein-rich diet. In contrast, lower-status individuals may have consumed more plant-based or lower-trophic-level foods. Dietary choices may have also been influenced by confession, as Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians exhibited distinct isotopic signatures, likely reflecting fasting traditions and dietary restrictions. These findings provide a better understanding of dietary variation in historical Vilnius, demonstrating how social, economic, and religious differences were reflected in the diet. By linking stable isotope data with historical and archaeological contexts, this study contributed to the growing research on past dietary practices in Late Medieval and Early Modern urban contexts.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Rūta Brindzaitė, Giedrė Motuzaitė Matuzevičiūtė, Rytis Jonaitis, Irma Kaplūnaitė, Agnieška Rudinska, Audronė Jakaitienė, Rimantas Jankauskas</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Dietary Tendencies Between Social and Religious Groups in Vilnius During the 13th–18th Centuries</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70028</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70028</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70028?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70025?af=R</link> <pubDate>Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-23T12:00:00-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70025</guid> <title>Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus) Late Neolithic Burial at Krzczonowice, the Greater Trochanter of Femur Lesion</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTA domestic cattle skeleton was found in a pit at the archeological site Krzczonowice 63 (Sandomierz Upland, Poland) and was interpreted as sacrificial in nature on the basis of the archeological context. It was dated to the Late Neolithic period (Globular Amphora Culture). The right femur displays pathological lesions in the form of loss of the apical part of the greater trochanter. These were subjected to macroscopic examination, computed tomography imaging, histological analysis, and differential diagnosis. The computed tomography revealed the presence of a well‐defined irregular area of hyperdensity within the medullary cavity of the femoral neck. Histological analysis of the bone tissue surrounding the lesion showed a well‐mineralized extracellular matrix with changes in the lamellae of the compact bone and cortical bone thinning, and also showed there to be a lack of organized structure of the osteons. The structure of the bone was more comparable to the woven‐like bone tissue matrix. Our conclusion is that the lesion seems to be the result of a lytic process of the bone tissue, most likely a cattle bone lesion caused by an infection. The location, possible pathogenesis, anatomy, and CT image make traumatic lesions, osteomyelitis, osteitis, and bone neoplasma all less plausible.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>A domestic cattle skeleton was found in a pit at the archeological site Krzczonowice 63 (Sandomierz Upland, Poland) and was interpreted as sacrificial in nature on the basis of the archeological context. It was dated to the Late Neolithic period (Globular Amphora Culture). The right femur displays pathological lesions in the form of loss of the apical part of the greater trochanter. These were subjected to macroscopic examination, computed tomography imaging, histological analysis, and differential diagnosis. The computed tomography revealed the presence of a well-defined irregular area of hyperdensity within the medullary cavity of the femoral neck. Histological analysis of the bone tissue surrounding the lesion showed a well-mineralized extracellular matrix with changes in the lamellae of the compact bone and cortical bone thinning, and also showed there to be a lack of organized structure of the osteons. The structure of the bone was more comparable to the woven-like bone tissue matrix. Our conclusion is that the lesion seems to be the result of a lytic process of the bone tissue, most likely a cattle bone lesion caused by an infection. The location, possible pathogenesis, anatomy, and CT image make traumatic lesions, osteomyelitis, osteitis, and bone neoplasma all less plausible.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Dominik Poradowski, Artur Jedynak, Dominika Kubiak‐Nowak, Wojciech Borawski, Kamilla Pawłowska, Katarzyna Kaleta‐Kuratewicz, Joanna Wolińska, Vedat Onar, Aleksander Chrószcz</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus) Late Neolithic Burial at Krzczonowice, the Greater Trochanter of Femur Lesion</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70025</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70025</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70025?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70023?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:50:17 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-20T07:50:17-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70023</guid> <title>A Probable Case of Multiple Osteochondromas With Madelung‐Type Deformity in Human Remains From the 7th to 10th Centuries in Japan</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTWe present a rare paleopathological case of probable multiple osteochondromas (MO) with an associated Madelung‐type deformity, identified in an adult male skeleton excavated from the Hasekouji‐Shuhen site in Kamakura, Japan, dated from the 7th–10th centuries ad. The individual exhibited multiple exostotic lesions, primarily affecting the distal femora, proximal tibiae, and fibulae, along with a pronounced right‐sided forearm deformity characterized by shortening, bowing, and articular displacement. MO can be supported by differential diagnosis, which is based on lesion morphology, distribution, and bilateral expression, while the forearm changes are consistent with a secondary, acquired Madelung‐type deformity resulting from growth plate disturbance. This case represents the earliest probable example of MO with associated Madelung‐type deformity in the Asian‐Pacific region and only the third such case reported globally. Despite limitations, including the absence of genetic or histological analysis, the findings contribute valuable insight into rare skeletal dysplasias in ancient populations.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>We present a rare paleopathological case of probable multiple osteochondromas (MO) with an associated Madelung-type deformity, identified in an adult male skeleton excavated from the Hasekouji-Shuhen site in Kamakura, Japan, dated from the 7th–10th centuries <span class="smallCaps">ad</span>. The individual exhibited multiple exostotic lesions, primarily affecting the distal femora, proximal tibiae, and fibulae, along with a pronounced right-sided forearm deformity characterized by shortening, bowing, and articular displacement. MO can be supported by differential diagnosis, which is based on lesion morphology, distribution, and bilateral expression, while the forearm changes are consistent with a secondary, acquired Madelung-type deformity resulting from growth plate disturbance. This case represents the earliest probable example of MO with associated Madelung-type deformity in the Asian-Pacific region and only the third such case reported globally. Despite limitations, including the absence of genetic or histological analysis, the findings contribute valuable insight into rare skeletal dysplasias in ancient populations.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Takao Suzuki, Hiroko Hashimoto, Hirofumi Matsumura</dc:creator> <category>SHORT REPORT</category> <dc:title>A Probable Case of Multiple Osteochondromas With Madelung‐Type Deformity in Human Remains From the 7th to 10th Centuries in Japan</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70023</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70023</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70023?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>SHORT REPORT</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70019?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:01:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-20T04:01:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70019</guid> <title>The Impact of Age and Biometric Parameters on Metapodial Bone Measurements of the Desert Sheep Breed “Sidahou” (Ovis aries L., 1758): A New Baseline for Zooarchaeological Research and Historical Livestock Management in Central and North Africa</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTAs part of archaeozoological research aimed at refining the interpretation of skeletal remains, this study presents an initial osteomorphometric approach to the Sidahou sheep breed, native to the Central and Northern African desert. A total of 60 right metapodial bones (30 metacarpals and 30 metatarsals) from female sheep raised in Mali and slaughtered in Algeria (Tamanrasset region) were analyzed. Seven linear measurements were taken from each bone, allowing the calculation of three gracility indices. The results show no significant differences between young adults (12–24 months) and individuals over 30 months (p > 0.05), suggesting early maturation in Sidahou females. These females reach their adult form at 2 years of age, after which the epiphyses of the cannon bones fuse, marking the end of growth. The morphometric analysis also reveals marked gracility (d/GL indices between 7% and 8%) and unusual elongation of the bones (GL ≈ 158.9 mm for the metacarpals and 169.4 mm for the metatarsals). The metapodial morphology of the Sidahou sheep closely resembles that of ancient forms, minimally affected by artificial selection, making it a relevant reference model for comparisons with archaeological sheep populations. Finally, regression equations were developed to estimate the withers height (e.g., HG = 3.22251 + 0.47941 × GL), thereby enriching the tools for archaeozoological analysis.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>As part of archaeozoological research aimed at refining the interpretation of skeletal remains, this study presents an initial osteomorphometric approach to the Sidahou sheep breed, native to the Central and Northern African desert. A total of 60 right metapodial bones (30 metacarpals and 30 metatarsals) from female sheep raised in Mali and slaughtered in Algeria (Tamanrasset region) were analyzed. Seven linear measurements were taken from each bone, allowing the calculation of three gracility indices. The results show no significant differences between young adults (12–24 months) and individuals over 30 months (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05), suggesting early maturation in Sidahou females. These females reach their adult form at 2 years of age, after which the epiphyses of the cannon bones fuse, marking the end of growth. The morphometric analysis also reveals marked gracility (d/GL indices between 7% and 8%) and unusual elongation of the bones (GL ≈ 158.9 mm for the metacarpals and 169.4 mm for the metatarsals). The metapodial morphology of the Sidahou sheep closely resembles that of ancient forms, minimally affected by artificial selection, making it a relevant reference model for comparisons with archaeological sheep populations. Finally, regression equations were developed to estimate the withers height (e.g., HG = 3.22251 + 0.47941 × GL), thereby enriching the tools for archaeozoological analysis.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Ami Kenza, Bennoune Omar, Khammar Hichem, Chaffai Amin, Benacherine Mostefa, Abdassamed Amina</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>The Impact of Age and Biometric Parameters on Metapodial Bone Measurements of the Desert Sheep Breed “Sidahou” (Ovis aries L., 1758): A New Baseline for Zooarchaeological Research and Historical Livestock Management in Central and North Africa</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70019</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70019</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70019?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70021?af=R</link> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:29:14 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-18T05:29:14-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70021</guid> <title>Bone Mineral Density of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) as a Potential Taphonomic Factor in Skeletal Part Attrition</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTAgents of taphonomy can bias skeletal parts and the frequency of bones in archaeological sites. An important factor to consider is the possible effect of bone density‐mediated attrition on archaeornithological assemblages. We scanned willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) specimens using a Lunar iDXA and an enCcore small animal body add‐on to develop a rank‐order scheme based on the volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of skeletal parts. Our results identified the tibiotarsus and femur to be the least dense bones, while carpometacarpus, 3rd digit, and coracoid were the densest. This novel scheme allowed us to evaluate a sample of 22 published site reports to assess the possible likelihood that vBMD influenced the occurrence of skeletal parts in the assemblages. Across open and cave‐rockshelter archaeological sites, we found 32% possibly or most likely affected by vBMD among other taphonomic factors. Our study is the first to evaluate the potential effects of L. lagopus vBMD bone density‐mediated attrition.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Agents of taphonomy can bias skeletal parts and the frequency of bones in archaeological sites. An important factor to consider is the possible effect of bone density-mediated attrition on archaeornithological assemblages. We scanned willow ptarmigan (<i>Lagopus lagopus</i>) specimens using a Lunar iDXA and an enCcore small animal body add-on to develop a rank-order scheme based on the volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of skeletal parts. Our results identified the tibiotarsus and femur to be the least dense bones, while carpometacarpus, 3rd digit, and coracoid were the densest. This novel scheme allowed us to evaluate a sample of 22 published site reports to assess the possible likelihood that vBMD influenced the occurrence of skeletal parts in the assemblages. Across open and cave-rockshelter archaeological sites, we found 32% possibly or most likely affected by vBMD among other taphonomic factors. Our study is the first to evaluate the potential effects of <i>L. lagopus</i> vBMD bone density-mediated attrition.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Frank J. Dirrigl Jr., Samuel R. Buchanan</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Bone Mineral Density of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) as a Potential Taphonomic Factor in Skeletal Part Attrition</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70021</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70021</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70021?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70003?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70003</guid> <title>Early Cattle Exploitation in the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) of the Upper Tigris Valley: Gre Fılla in South‐Eastern Türkiye</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 60-76, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTIn this paper, the first results investigating animal exploitation, mainly focusing on the question of cattle domestication, at the Early Pre‐Pottery Neolithic site of Gre Fılla, Diyarbakır, South‐Eastern Türkiye, are presented. Gre Fılla, where the earliest cattle domestication in the region was identified, is also notable in showing the process of hunting to herding during the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B subphases. Bos exploitation was the second most important component of the animal economies and increased dramatically in the 8th millennium bc. Moreover, the appearance of domestic small‐sized individuals and significant changes in the skeletal elements as well as in the alterations, especially demographic profile based on epiphyseal and dental wear stages, are observed. As a result of zooarchaeological analyses, early cattle exploitation started to be seen during the MPPNB levels of Gre Fılla, based on the decrease in size and change in the kill‐off pattern. It can be suggested that morphologically domestic cattle are systematically and widely encountered during MPPNB. The LPPNB levels are remarkable for yielding evidence of domestic cattle.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>In this paper, the first results investigating animal exploitation, mainly focusing on the question of cattle domestication, at the Early Pre-Pottery Neolithic site of Gre Fılla, Diyarbakır, South-Eastern Türkiye, are presented. Gre Fılla, where the earliest cattle domestication in the region was identified, is also notable in showing the process of hunting to herding during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B subphases. <i>Bos</i> exploitation was the second most important component of the animal economies and increased dramatically in the 8th millennium <span class="smallCaps">bc</span>. Moreover, the appearance of domestic small-sized individuals and significant changes in the skeletal elements as well as in the alterations, especially demographic profile based on epiphyseal and dental wear stages, are observed. As a result of zooarchaeological analyses, early cattle exploitation started to be seen during the MPPNB levels of Gre Fılla, based on the decrease in size and change in the kill-off pattern. It can be suggested that morphologically domestic cattle are systematically and widely encountered during MPPNB. The LPPNB levels are remarkable for yielding evidence of domestic cattle.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Derya Silibolatlaz</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Early Cattle Exploitation in the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) of the Upper Tigris Valley: Gre Fılla in South‐Eastern Türkiye</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70003</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70003</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70003?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70009?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70009</guid> <title>When Synanthropic Birds Appeared in Medieval Novgorod the Great and Tver (Russia): Historical and Zooarchaeological Accounts</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 89-96, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThis study investigates the historical synanthropization of birds in medieval Novgorod and Tver (10th–15th centuries) through archaeological analysis of bird bones, revealing patterns of urban adaptation amid preservation challenges. Despite the poor recovery of avian remains, which biases assemblages due to postdepositional degradation, findings highlight early synanthropic integration: corvids (ravens, hooded crows, rooks, and jackdaws) and pigeons (Columba livia) emerged as key urban adapters. Extreme synurbanists like feral pigeons and Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) were documented by the 13th century, while magpies (Pica pica) and starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) showed later medieval colonization. Challenges in distinguishing true synanthropes from seasonal visitors (e.g., raptor prey) underscore methodological complexities, compounded by the absence of references in medieval texts. The study emphasizes the early role of human‐modified landscapes in shaping avian ecology and calls for advanced techniques to refine interpretations of urban bird remains in archaeological contexts.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>This study investigates the historical synanthropization of birds in medieval Novgorod and Tver (10th–15th centuries) through archaeological analysis of bird bones, revealing patterns of urban adaptation amid preservation challenges. Despite the poor recovery of avian remains, which biases assemblages due to postdepositional degradation, findings highlight early synanthropic integration: corvids (ravens, hooded crows, rooks, and jackdaws) and pigeons (<i>Columba livia</i>) emerged as key urban adapters. Extreme synurbanists like feral pigeons and Eurasian tree sparrows (<i>Passer montanus</i>) were documented by the 13th century, while magpies (<i>Pica pica</i>) and starlings (<i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>) showed later medieval colonization. Challenges in distinguishing true synanthropes from seasonal visitors (e.g., raptor prey) underscore methodological complexities, compounded by the absence of references in medieval texts. The study emphasizes the early role of human-modified landscapes in shaping avian ecology and calls for advanced techniques to refine interpretations of urban bird remains in archaeological contexts.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>A. V. Zinoviev</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>When Synanthropic Birds Appeared in Medieval Novgorod the Great and Tver (Russia): Historical and Zooarchaeological Accounts</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70009</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70009</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70009?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3413?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.3413</guid> <title>Vertebrate Prey Accumulations by the Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus, Aves: Falconiformes): A Neo‐Taphonomic Study in an Urban Area From Central Western Argentina</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 106-121, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTTaphonomic research is essential for understanding the formation and dynamics of archaeological and palaeontological records. We present a multi‐taxa neo‐taphonomic analysis of prey remains accumulated by the crested caracara (carancho) (Caracara plancus) in a site located within the city of Mendoza, the main urban area of central western Argentina. We developed a taphonomic analysis with the aim of elucidating traces and patterns attributable to this raptor from its accumulated prey remains. In summary, we found prey samples composed mainly of small birds, especially pigeons, although we also identified some bone remains of domestic cat. The ingested prey remains recovered from inside pellets showed a high degree of fragmentation, a low frequency of mechanical marks, and a high proportion and degree of digested elements. In terms of element representation, there are a underrepresentation of cranial elements, a higher representation of carpometacarpus (almost 50%), and an equal representation of wing and leg elements of the skeleton with better preservation of limb elements than of axial elements and many of the bones disarticulated. The non‐ingested prey remains showed a high degree of articulation (almost 50%), a moderate degree of fragmentation, and a high proportion of mechanical marks associated with handling and tearing mechanisms of C. plancus. The sternum and humerus were the best represented skeletal elements (more than 60% of relative abundance), low representation of cranial elements, a predominance of wing over leg elements, and equal representation of axial and limb bones. This pattern will help distinguish taphonomic marks left by the crested caracara on prey remains and contribute to a regional taphonomic perspective for elucidating the animal bone remains in central western Argentina.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Taphonomic research is essential for understanding the formation and dynamics of archaeological and palaeontological records. We present a multi-taxa neo-taphonomic analysis of prey remains accumulated by the crested caracara (carancho) (<i>Caracara plancus</i>) in a site located within the city of Mendoza, the main urban area of central western Argentina. We developed a taphonomic analysis with the aim of elucidating traces and patterns attributable to this raptor from its accumulated prey remains. In summary, we found prey samples composed mainly of small birds, especially pigeons, although we also identified some bone remains of domestic cat. The ingested prey remains recovered from inside pellets showed a high degree of fragmentation, a low frequency of mechanical marks, and a high proportion and degree of digested elements. In terms of element representation, there are a underrepresentation of cranial elements, a higher representation of carpometacarpus (almost 50%), and an equal representation of wing and leg elements of the skeleton with better preservation of limb elements than of axial elements and many of the bones disarticulated. The non-ingested prey remains showed a high degree of articulation (almost 50%), a moderate degree of fragmentation, and a high proportion of mechanical marks associated with handling and tearing mechanisms of <i>C. plancus</i>. The sternum and humerus were the best represented skeletal elements (more than 60% of relative abundance), low representation of cranial elements, a predominance of wing over leg elements, and equal representation of axial and limb bones. This pattern will help distinguish taphonomic marks left by the crested caracara on prey remains and contribute to a regional taphonomic perspective for elucidating the animal bone remains in central western Argentina.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Nicolás M. Guardia, Miguel A. Giardina, Horacio Chiavazza, José Manuel López</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Vertebrate Prey Accumulations by the Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus, Aves: Falconiformes): A Neo‐Taphonomic Study in an Urban Area From Central Western Argentina</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.3413</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.3413</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3413?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70001?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70001</guid> <title>Dog Pathologies in Central–Eastern Gaul During the Iron Age and Roman Period (500 bce–400 ce): Diachronic Perspectives</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 37-52, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThis article presents an analysis of paleopathologies in dogs from the Iron Age through the Roman period (500 bce–400 ce) in Central–Eastern Gaul. The analysis focuses on the quantification of paleopathological traces in an attempt to identify changes in human–dog relationships between these two periods. The number of paleopathologies remains marginal in dog populations during these periods. However, oral pathologies represent the most prevalent identified lesions. Nevertheless, a discernible increase in joint and traumatic diseases can be observed in urban centers from the beginning of the Roman Empire onwards, which coincided with a rise in morphological diversity and the cessation of cynophagy. The number of “multipathological” cases also increased during the same period. This upsurge of joint and traumatic pathologies raises questions about the living conditions and treatment of dogs according to their potential functions in ancient societies. Nonetheless, the majority of paleopathologies are multifactorial or of unknown etiology and therefore cannot be unequivocally linked or attributed to certain dog's functions.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>This article presents an analysis of paleopathologies in dogs from the Iron Age through the Roman period (500 <span class="smallCaps">bce–</span>400 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>) in Central–Eastern Gaul. The analysis focuses on the quantification of paleopathological traces in an attempt to identify changes in human–dog relationships between these two periods. The number of paleopathologies remains marginal in dog populations during these periods. However, oral pathologies represent the most prevalent identified lesions. Nevertheless, a discernible increase in joint and traumatic diseases can be observed in urban centers from the beginning of the Roman Empire onwards, which coincided with a rise in morphological diversity and the cessation of cynophagy. The number of “multipathological” cases also increased during the same period. This upsurge of joint and traumatic pathologies raises questions about the living conditions and treatment of dogs according to their potential functions in ancient societies. Nonetheless, the majority of paleopathologies are multifactorial or of unknown etiology and therefore cannot be unequivocally linked or attributed to certain dog's functions.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Camille Lamarque, Koen Chiers, Thierry Argant, Aurélien Creuzieux</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Dog Pathologies in Central–Eastern Gaul During the Iron Age and Roman Period (500 bce–400 ce): Diachronic Perspectives</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70001</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70001</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70001?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70004?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70004</guid> <title>Children of Svodín: An Insight Into the Lives of Late Neolithic (4800–4115 bc) Subadults From Slovakia</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 77-88, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTDespite the allegedly high proportion of subadults, limited attention has been paid to children and understanding their role and position in prehistoric communities. By investigating the skeletal remains of children from the Late Neolithic Lengyel population from Svodín, Slovakia (4900–4700 cal bc), within their environment and archaeological context, this article provides insight into childhood and children's place in the Lengyel culture community. Altogether, 59 subadult skeletons from Svodín were macroscopically analyzed, evaluating their age at death, health status, and lifestyle. Subadults of all ages and social status manifested signs of long‐lasting increased metabolic stress and/or infectious diseases. These results seem to correspond with the presumption of worsened environmental conditions and resource shortage at the end of the Neolithic. Injuries observed in adolescents and adults at the Lengyel sites seem consistent with small‐scale raids, possibly for resources. Individuals skilled in acquiring food seem to have gained increased importance, with their status passing down to their kin, although adolescents may have been expected to contribute to the community and achieve their status on their own. The roundel area likely held special significance for the community, being designated for unborn or newborn infants, solitary children, and those linked to the supernatural. Stillborns and/or perinates were probably not yet perceived as part of the community. Toddlers and older children seem to have been recognized as members of society, their status reflecting that of their (closest) kin, regardless of their health. The shift from the “world of play” towards the “real life” also seems to manifest in osteoarchaeological records.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Despite the allegedly high proportion of subadults, limited attention has been paid to children and understanding their role and position in prehistoric communities. By investigating the skeletal remains of children from the Late Neolithic Lengyel population from Svodín, Slovakia (4900–4700 cal <span class="smallCaps">bc</span>), within their environment and archaeological context, this article provides insight into childhood and children's place in the Lengyel culture community. Altogether, 59 subadult skeletons from Svodín were macroscopically analyzed, evaluating their age at death, health status, and lifestyle. Subadults of all ages and social status manifested signs of long-lasting increased metabolic stress and/or infectious diseases. These results seem to correspond with the presumption of worsened environmental conditions and resource shortage at the end of the Neolithic. Injuries observed in adolescents and adults at the Lengyel sites seem consistent with small-scale raids, possibly for resources. Individuals skilled in acquiring food seem to have gained increased importance, with their status passing down to their kin, although adolescents may have been expected to contribute to the community and achieve their status on their own. The roundel area likely held special significance for the community, being designated for unborn or newborn infants, solitary children, and those linked to the supernatural. Stillborns and/or perinates were probably not yet perceived as part of the community. Toddlers and older children seem to have been recognized as members of society, their status reflecting that of their (closest) kin, regardless of their health. The shift from the “world of play” towards the “real life” also seems to manifest in osteoarchaeological records.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Zuzana Hukeľová, Mária Krošláková</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Children of Svodín: An Insight Into the Lives of Late Neolithic (4800–4115 bc) Subadults From Slovakia</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70004</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70004</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70004?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70005?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70005</guid> <title>Diet and Cultural Transition in Sixth Century ad China: New Isotopic Studies on Multiple Elite and Commoner Individuals in the Chang'an Region</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 53-59, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTScientific archaeology has drawn new attention to the agricultural and pastoral interactions of medieval China and their impact upon Han and non‐Han groups. The aim of this research is to introduce a number of key new stable isotope data pointing to ancient diet, offering a new perspective on the “sinicization” debate in medieval China. While generational shifts between primarily pastoral and agricultural diets occurred prior to the sixth century ad, by Northern Zhou and Sui times, a vastly more complex range of dietary possibilities was practiced. We found that the dietary habit of Yang Yong, the Crown Prince of the Sui Dynasty, was similar to that of the Han nobility from the late Northern Wei to the Sui Dynasty in northern China. We argue for considering the role of (1) new cultural foodways in shaping elite practices and (2) dietary stability and change reflected elite political fortunes and decision‐making processes in the political core area of medieval China during the sixth century ad.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Scientific archaeology has drawn new attention to the agricultural and pastoral interactions of medieval China and their impact upon Han and non-Han groups. The aim of this research is to introduce a number of key new stable isotope data pointing to ancient diet, offering a new perspective on the “sinicization” debate in medieval China. While generational shifts between primarily pastoral and agricultural diets occurred prior to the sixth century <span class="smallCaps">ad</span>, by Northern Zhou and Sui times, a vastly more complex range of dietary possibilities was practiced. We found that the dietary habit of Yang Yong, the Crown Prince of the Sui Dynasty, was similar to that of the Han nobility from the late Northern Wei to the Sui Dynasty in northern China. We argue for considering the role of (1) new cultural foodways in shaping elite practices and (2) dietary stability and change reflected elite political fortunes and decision-making processes in the political core area of medieval China during the sixth century <span class="smallCaps">ad</span>.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Pengfei Sheng, Edward Allen, Daiyun Liu, Yiyuan Dao, Kezhou Xie, Yihong Xie, Junhua Wu, Ming Li, Hailiang Meng</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Diet and Cultural Transition in Sixth Century ad China: New Isotopic Studies on Multiple Elite and Commoner Individuals in the Chang'an Region</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70005</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70005</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70005?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70008?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70008</guid> <title>Neolithic Lifeways at the Microlevel: Isobiographies From Italy</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 122-135, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTCharacterization of prehistoric lifeways tends to work at the level of generalization, but can we investigate microvariation? For example, it is common to discuss the “Neolithic diet”, but how much did what people ate vary, not only between individuals but from year to year or from place to place? Similarly, discussions of mobility tend to focus either on large‐scale population movements or on lifelong changes in residence, implying that people remained statically in their villages under other circumstances, but how much did people normally move around the landscape? The “isobiography” approach we apply here combines fine‐grained incremental sampling of multiple isotopes to investigate these questions. Here, we explore the life histories of five Neolithic individuals from Passo di Corvo (Foggia) and Titolo (Bari) in Puglia, southeastern Italy, by analyzing the stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotopic signals from bone elements and dentine increments. Our findings unveil nuanced individual narratives. Variations in breastfeeding and weaning practices suggest flexible cultural norms; aquatic resources may have been introduced during weaning and their consumption continued during childhood in some individuals. Broadly, our findings reveal adaptations throughout the lifespans studied, potentially reflecting dietary shifts or physiological responses to climatic, environmental, or nutritional challenges. Additionally, our data indicate connections beyond local contexts: Some individuals were mobile over short ranges (Passo di Corvo), whereas others displayed connections to more distant inland locations (Titolo). Our study underscores the complexity of Neolithic lifeways, demonstrating variations not only between individuals but also within the lifespan of a single individual.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Characterization of prehistoric lifeways tends to work at the level of generalization, but can we investigate microvariation? For example, it is common to discuss the “Neolithic diet”, but how much did what people ate vary, not only between individuals but from year to year or from place to place? Similarly, discussions of mobility tend to focus either on large-scale population movements or on lifelong changes in residence, implying that people remained statically in their villages under other circumstances, but how much did people normally move around the landscape? The “isobiography” approach we apply here combines fine-grained incremental sampling of multiple isotopes to investigate these questions. Here, we explore the life histories of five Neolithic individuals from Passo di Corvo (Foggia) and Titolo (Bari) in Puglia, southeastern Italy, by analyzing the stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotopic signals from bone elements and dentine increments. Our findings unveil nuanced individual narratives. Variations in breastfeeding and weaning practices suggest flexible cultural norms; aquatic resources may have been introduced during weaning and their consumption continued during childhood in some individuals. Broadly, our findings reveal adaptations throughout the lifespans studied, potentially reflecting dietary shifts or physiological responses to climatic, environmental, or nutritional challenges. Additionally, our data indicate connections beyond local contexts: Some individuals were mobile over short ranges (Passo di Corvo), whereas others displayed connections to more distant inland locations (Titolo). Our study underscores the complexity of Neolithic lifeways, demonstrating variations not only between individuals but also within the lifespan of a single individual.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Silvia Soncin, Sofia Panella, Sara Bernardini, Jess Emma Thompson, Gwenaëlle Goude, Martina di Matteo, Francesca Alhaique, Krista McGrath, Francesca Radina, Sandra Sivilli, Maria Giovanna Belcastro, Valentina Mariotti, John Robb, Mary Anne Tafuri</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Neolithic Lifeways at the Microlevel: Isobiographies From Italy</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70008</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70008</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70008?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70010?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70010</guid> <title>Diet and Oral Health in Pre‐Columbian South America: A Comparative Study of Hunter‐Gatherers and Horticulturalists From the Lower Paraná Wetland (Argentina)</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 179-193, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe relationship between diet and oral health has long been explored in archaeology, with significant differences observed between populations with distinct subsistence strategies. This study examines the prevalence of dental caries, antemortem tooth loss (AMTL), periapical lesions, dental calculus, and occlusal wear in hunter‐gatherer and horticulturalist populations from the Lower Paraná wetland (southern La Plata Basin, Argentina). Our primary objective is to evaluate how dietary differences influenced oral health in these pre‐Columbian groups and contextualize the findings within broader pre‐Columbian trends from Argentina. The analyzed sample includes skeletal and dental remains from 178 hunter‐gatherers (26 sites) and 29 horticulturalists (3 sites), dated between < 2000–500 and 700–300 14C years bp, respectively. Statistical comparisons employed chi‐square tests, Monte Carlo permutations, odds ratios, bootstrap tests, and generalized linear models. Wear rates were calculated using principal axis methods. Results indicate a significantly lower prevalence of dental caries in hunter‐gatherers (2%) compared to horticulturalists (8.8%), linked to lower carbohydrate intake. AMTL and occlusal wear were more frequent in hunter‐gatherers (AMTL = 4% vs. 0.8%), likely influenced by dietary abrasives and protein‐rich consumption. No statistical differences were found between populations in periapical lesions and dental calculus, suggesting multifactorial origins beyond diet alone. In contrast to expectations, male hunter‐gatherers exhibited higher caries (2% vs. 0.5%) and wear rates than females, potentially related to dietary habits or paramasticatory activities. These findings align with global trends, situating hunter‐gatherers among low‐caries/high‐wear populations and horticulturalists within mixed‐diet groups. This study contributes to understanding dietary impacts on oral health in pre‐Columbian South America, emphasizing the need for expanded samples to refine sex‐based and wear‐related interpretations.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The relationship between diet and oral health has long been explored in archaeology, with significant differences observed between populations with distinct subsistence strategies. This study examines the prevalence of dental caries, antemortem tooth loss (AMTL), periapical lesions, dental calculus, and occlusal wear in hunter-gatherer and horticulturalist populations from the Lower Paraná wetland (southern La Plata Basin, Argentina). Our primary objective is to evaluate how dietary differences influenced oral health in these pre-Columbian groups and contextualize the findings within broader pre-Columbian trends from Argentina. The analyzed sample includes skeletal and dental remains from 178 hunter-gatherers (26 sites) and 29 horticulturalists (3 sites), dated between &lt; 2000–500 and 700–300 <sup>14</sup>C years <span class="smallCaps">bp</span>, respectively. Statistical comparisons employed chi-square tests, Monte Carlo permutations, odds ratios, bootstrap tests, and generalized linear models. Wear rates were calculated using principal axis methods. Results indicate a significantly lower prevalence of dental caries in hunter-gatherers (2%) compared to horticulturalists (8.8%), linked to lower carbohydrate intake. AMTL and occlusal wear were more frequent in hunter-gatherers (AMTL = 4% vs. 0.8%), likely influenced by dietary abrasives and protein-rich consumption. No statistical differences were found between populations in periapical lesions and dental calculus, suggesting multifactorial origins beyond diet alone. In contrast to expectations, male hunter-gatherers exhibited higher caries (2% vs. 0.5%) and wear rates than females, potentially related to dietary habits or paramasticatory activities. These findings align with global trends, situating hunter-gatherers among low-caries/high-wear populations and horticulturalists within mixed-diet groups. This study contributes to understanding dietary impacts on oral health in pre-Columbian South America, emphasizing the need for expanded samples to refine sex-based and wear-related interpretations.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Bárbara Mazza, Daniel Loponte, Alejandro Acosta</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Diet and Oral Health in Pre‐Columbian South America: A Comparative Study of Hunter‐Gatherers and Horticulturalists From the Lower Paraná Wetland (Argentina)</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70010</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70010</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70010?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70013?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70013</guid> <title>Paleopathological Analysis of the Early Byzantine Iasos Society in Türkiye</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 151-161, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe ancient city of Iasos, located in the Kıyıkışlacık district of Muğla province within the borders of Caria, has a very important place in illuminating the past of Anatolian societies. Paleopathological analysis was conducted on the skeletons of individuals belonging to the Early Byzantine community of Iasos to investigate the health problems of the society and to compare the society with other contemporary ancient Anatolian societies in terms of paleopathology. Lesion prevalence indicates that the Byzantine community of Iasos had a better quality of health than the other populations in the region. However, demographic analysis shows a different pattern, with higher than expected nonadult mortality rates. This could indicate the presence of diseases that affected its youngest members. However, the infants were found next to the sacred area of the Basilica, so they were buried in this area on purpose as they were considered to be sinless. In consequence, the apparently high infant mortality rate may just reflect that the areas excavated contained all the infants but not all the adults originally buried there. This study emphasizes that in paleopathological studies, data should be interpreted by considering multiple lines of evidence.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The ancient city of Iasos, located in the Kıyıkışlacık district of Muğla province within the borders of Caria, has a very important place in illuminating the past of Anatolian societies. Paleopathological analysis was conducted on the skeletons of individuals belonging to the Early Byzantine community of Iasos to investigate the health problems of the society and to compare the society with other contemporary ancient Anatolian societies in terms of paleopathology. Lesion prevalence indicates that the Byzantine community of Iasos had a better quality of health than the other populations in the region. However, demographic analysis shows a different pattern, with higher than expected nonadult mortality rates. This could indicate the presence of diseases that affected its youngest members. However, the infants were found next to the sacred area of the Basilica, so they were buried in this area on purpose as they were considered to be sinless. In consequence, the apparently high infant mortality rate may just reflect that the areas excavated contained all the infants but not all the adults originally buried there. This study emphasizes that in paleopathological studies, data should be interpreted by considering multiple lines of evidence.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Merve Gümrükçü Uslu, Ayla Sevim Erol, Asuman Baldiran</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Paleopathological Analysis of the Early Byzantine Iasos Society in Türkiye</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70013</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70013</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70013?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70014?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70014</guid> <title>Skeletal Sex Estimation for Human Remains From Archaeological Contexts: Machine Learning Models Based on Ancient Dion, Greece</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 162-178, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe estimation of sex in the analysis of human remains from archaeological contexts is an essential tool for reconstructing the demographic profile of past populations and their lifestyles. Methods for skeletal sex estimation are commonly based on visual assessment of the pelvis and cranium, but their application is often limited by the poor preservation of these elements in archaeological collections. Several standards have been developed to predict skeletal sex from metric methods, but interpopulation differences and secular change make the applicability of these methods in archaeological contexts problematic. In this paper, we propose population‐specific standards for sex estimation using metric data from the postcranial skeletons of 48 individuals (18 males and 30 females) excavated at ancient Dion, Greece. We applied different imputation methods for missing data and different models for sex prediction (Logistic Regression, XGBoost, LightGBM, and Random Forest) and compared their performance using a range of metrics. The results show that classification performance varies depending on the skeletal measurements used, the amount of missing data, and whether variables are analyzed individually or in groups. Nonetheless, the accuracies achieved are very high (around or above 90%), both for most univariate and almost all multivariate models. Despite the limitations imposed by the small size of the sample, more such initiatives in the future will improve population‐specific sex prediction models by including additional archaeological assemblages from other regions and periods and assemblages with larger sample sizes.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The estimation of sex in the analysis of human remains from archaeological contexts is an essential tool for reconstructing the demographic profile of past populations and their lifestyles. Methods for skeletal sex estimation are commonly based on visual assessment of the pelvis and cranium, but their application is often limited by the poor preservation of these elements in archaeological collections. Several standards have been developed to predict skeletal sex from metric methods, but interpopulation differences and secular change make the applicability of these methods in archaeological contexts problematic. In this paper, we propose population-specific standards for sex estimation using metric data from the postcranial skeletons of 48 individuals (18 males and 30 females) excavated at ancient Dion, Greece. We applied different imputation methods for missing data and different models for sex prediction (Logistic Regression, XGBoost, LightGBM, and Random Forest) and compared their performance using a range of metrics. The results show that classification performance varies depending on the skeletal measurements used, the amount of missing data, and whether variables are analyzed individually or in groups. Nonetheless, the accuracies achieved are very high (around or above 90%), both for most univariate and almost all multivariate models. Despite the limitations imposed by the small size of the sample, more such initiatives in the future will improve population-specific sex prediction models by including additional archaeological assemblages from other regions and periods and assemblages with larger sample sizes.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Chrysovalantis Constantinou, Efthymia Nikita, Paraskevi Tritsaroli</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Skeletal Sex Estimation for Human Remains From Archaeological Contexts: Machine Learning Models Based on Ancient Dion, Greece</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70014</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70014</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70014?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70015?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70015</guid> <title>First Phalanx Morphometrics Reveals Camelid Morphotype Variability at Los Batanes (11th/12th c. ce), Southern Coastal Peru</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 194-203, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTArchaeological excavations at Los Batanes in the Sama Valley (southern Peru) have brought to light a newly founded diasporic settlement following the demise of the Tiwanaku State (ca. 500–1000 ce). Previous research has suggested that the residents practiced a multiresource agropastoral subsistence strategy, with South American camelids (SACs) serving as the primary large mammals. Native to the Andean highlands, camelids at Los Batanes (500 masl) highlight the need to evaluate which species were herded in the hyperarid coastal desert of southern Peru to elucidate their economic function. In this study, we analyze camelid first phalanges from Los Batanes using established morphometric techniques and compare our results with reference datasets derived from modern camelid species. Our findings reveal significant morphometric variability in camelids from Los Batanes, with sizes spanning the range of extant SAC species. The predominance of large‐sized camelids in the sample, alongside evidence of small and intermediate forms, shows a diversified morphotype selection by ancient agropastoralists. These results indicate the presence of more than one camelid species or breed. This study provides critical baseline data on species diversity, advancing our understanding of pre‐Hispanic herding practices and camelid uses in the hyperarid coastal environments.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Archaeological excavations at Los Batanes in the Sama Valley (southern Peru) have brought to light a newly founded diasporic settlement following the demise of the Tiwanaku State (ca. 500–1000 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>). Previous research has suggested that the residents practiced a multiresource agropastoral subsistence strategy, with South American camelids (SACs) serving as the primary large mammals. Native to the Andean highlands, camelids at Los Batanes (500 masl) highlight the need to evaluate which species were herded in the hyperarid coastal desert of southern Peru to elucidate their economic function. In this study, we analyze camelid first phalanges from Los Batanes using established morphometric techniques and compare our results with reference datasets derived from modern camelid species. Our findings reveal significant morphometric variability in camelids from Los Batanes, with sizes spanning the range of extant SAC species. The predominance of large-sized camelids in the sample, alongside evidence of small and intermediate forms, shows a diversified morphotype selection by ancient agropastoralists. These results indicate the presence of more than one camelid species or breed. This study provides critical baseline data on species diversity, advancing our understanding of pre-Hispanic herding practices and camelid uses in the hyperarid coastal environments.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Ruoyu Zhu, Sarah Kennedy, Arturo F. Rivera Infante, Sarah I. Baitzel</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>First Phalanx Morphometrics Reveals Camelid Morphotype Variability at Los Batanes (11th/12th c. ce), Southern Coastal Peru</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70015</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70015</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70015?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70000?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70000</guid> <title>Comment, Correction, and New Findings for “Foetal Bison Long Bones and Mortality Season Estimates at the Early Holocene Casper and Horner II Sites, North America”, by Ryan P. Breslawski, Tomasin Playford, and Christopher M. Johnston (2020), International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Vol 30, 425–434</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 29-32, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description/> <content:encoded/> <dc:creator>Ryan P. Breslawski, Michael C. Wilson</dc:creator> <category>COMMENTARY</category> <dc:title>Comment, Correction, and New Findings for “Foetal Bison Long Bones and Mortality Season Estimates at the Early Holocene Casper and Horner II Sites, North America”, by Ryan P. Breslawski, Tomasin Playford, and Christopher M. Johnston (2020), International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Vol 30, 425–434</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70000</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70000</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70000?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>COMMENTARY</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70012?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70012</guid> <title>Writing Osteoarchaeology Review Articles With Impact</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 3-5, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description/> <content:encoded/> <dc:creator>Piers D. Mitchell, Robin Bendrey</dc:creator> <category>EDITORIAL</category> <dc:title>Writing Osteoarchaeology Review Articles With Impact</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70012</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70012</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70012?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>EDITORIAL</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3314?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.3314</guid> <title>Issue Information</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 1-2, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>No abstract is available for this article.</dc:description> <content:encoded><p>No abstract is available for this article.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator/> <category>ISSUE INFORMATION</category> <dc:title>Issue Information</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.3314</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.3314</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3314?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>ISSUE INFORMATION</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3372?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.3372</guid> <title>An Antemortem Malaligned Femoral Fracture in a Pre‐Colonial Southern African Hunter‐Gatherer/Herder</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 6-12, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTPhysical trauma has significant ramifications on a person's way of life depending on social structure and access to support. Understanding trauma for past people is valuable for assessing the impact of trauma on mobility, functionality, and social integration of individuals. The Holocene Later Stone Age (LSA) is a significant period in southern Africa and was dominated by hunter‐gatherers and herders. A case of antemortem femoral trauma in a precolonial hunter‐gather/herder from the Nama‐Karoo in South Africa was assessed. Using macroscopic examination, photographic documentation, and radiographic analysis, an osteobiography was constructed showing the person was male, aged 35–49 years‐at‐death. The individual has a malaligned, healed oblique fracture to the proximal third of the femoral diaphysis. The malalignment resulted in shortening and medial rotation (~90°) of the distal femur. Due to the risk of complications and impairment, this individual would have required care, particularly in the early stages of healing post injury. The degree of healing indicates a level of care provision and assistance to ensure their survival and ability to maintain a role within the community. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of life ways for southern African hunter‐gatherers and herders (sAHGH) highlighting importance of care and social support in mitigating the effects of trauma during the LSA. Further research is recommended to explore healthcare systems and expand the understanding of trauma for sAHGH.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Physical trauma has significant ramifications on a person's way of life depending on social structure and access to support. Understanding trauma for past people is valuable for assessing the impact of trauma on mobility, functionality, and social integration of individuals. The Holocene Later Stone Age (LSA) is a significant period in southern Africa and was dominated by hunter-gatherers and herders. A case of antemortem femoral trauma in a precolonial hunter-gather/herder from the Nama-Karoo in South Africa was assessed. Using macroscopic examination, photographic documentation, and radiographic analysis, an osteobiography was constructed showing the person was male, aged 35–49 years-at-death. The individual has a malaligned, healed oblique fracture to the proximal third of the femoral diaphysis. The malalignment resulted in shortening and medial rotation (~90°) of the distal femur. Due to the risk of complications and impairment, this individual would have required care, particularly in the early stages of healing post injury. The degree of healing indicates a level of care provision and assistance to ensure their survival and ability to maintain a role within the community. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of life ways for southern African hunter-gatherers and herders (sAHGH) highlighting importance of care and social support in mitigating the effects of trauma during the LSA. Further research is recommended to explore healthcare systems and expand the understanding of trauma for sAHGH.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Siwaphiwe Mfengu, Calvin Gerald Mole, Victoria Elaine Gibbon</dc:creator> <category>SHORT REPORT</category> <dc:title>An Antemortem Malaligned Femoral Fracture in a Pre‐Colonial Southern African Hunter‐Gatherer/Herder</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.3372</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.3372</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3372?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>SHORT REPORT</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3417?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.3417</guid> <title>Exploring Division of Labor at the Jiaojia Site in the Late Neolithic Period, Eastern China Using Entheseal Changes as Proxy</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 19-28, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe investigation of activity patterns has consistently been a significant objective in bioarchaeological research. As distinct skeletal markers, entheseal changes (ECs) have been extensively used to reconstruct the habitual behaviors of ancient populations. In this study, we conducted an analysis to identify differences in physical activity between sexes and across two distinct socioeconomic groups at the Jiaojia site (ca. 2911–2491 b.c.) during the late Neolithic period in eastern China. This analysis was based on data obtained through the Coimbra method from eight entheses. The findings derived from the ECs support the existence of a sexual division of labor. Comparison between those from different socioeconomic backgrounds did not show a statistically significant difference in ECs data, suggesting that they engaged in physical activities with comparable intensity. These results imply that daily life may be structured around patterns of routine labor. However, the interpretation of EC data must be approached with caution and should be supplemented by further theoretical and methodological research to accurately reconstruct habitual activities.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The investigation of activity patterns has consistently been a significant objective in bioarchaeological research. As distinct skeletal markers, entheseal changes (ECs) have been extensively used to reconstruct the habitual behaviors of ancient populations. In this study, we conducted an analysis to identify differences in physical activity between sexes and across two distinct socioeconomic groups at the Jiaojia site (ca. 2911–2491 <span class="smallCaps">b.c</span>.) during the late Neolithic period in eastern China. This analysis was based on data obtained through the Coimbra method from eight entheses. The findings derived from the ECs support the existence of a sexual division of labor. Comparison between those from different socioeconomic backgrounds did not show a statistically significant difference in ECs data, suggesting that they engaged in physical activities with comparable intensity. These results imply that daily life may be structured around patterns of routine labor. However, the interpretation of EC data must be approached with caution and should be supplemented by further theoretical and methodological research to accurately reconstruct habitual activities.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Yueming Niu, Wen Zeng, Zhangqiaochu Yang, Fen Wang, Yongsheng Zhao</dc:creator> <category>SHORT REPORT</category> <dc:title>Exploring Division of Labor at the Jiaojia Site in the Late Neolithic Period, Eastern China Using Entheseal Changes as Proxy</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.3417</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.3417</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3417?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>SHORT REPORT</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70002?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70002</guid> <title>On the Discovery of a Fossil Seal Scapula in Ancient Panticapaeum (Crimean Peninsula)</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 33-36, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThis study reports the discovery of a fossilized left scapula of the extinct Miocene seal Cryptophoca maeotica within Hellenistic layers of Panticapaeum, an ancient Greek city on the Kerch Peninsula, Crimea. Excavated from a 4th‐century ad water cistern repurposed as a refuse deposit, the scapula represents a rare instance of fossil remains in an urban archaeological context. Morphological and biometric analyses, supported by the region's Miocene geological context, confirmed the species identification. The absence of human modification suggests that it was probably not used as a tool or ritual object. The find indicates that Hellenistic communities in Panticapaeum, a key center of the Bosporan Kingdom, may have collected such fossils as curiosities or symbolic items, reflecting engagement with the region's paleontological heritage. This discovery underscores the value of interdisciplinary approaches to studying ancient human–fossil interactions.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>This study reports the discovery of a fossilized left scapula of the extinct Miocene seal <i>Cryptophoca maeotica</i> within Hellenistic layers of Panticapaeum, an ancient Greek city on the Kerch Peninsula, Crimea. Excavated from a 4th-century <span class="smallCaps">ad</span> water cistern repurposed as a refuse deposit, the scapula represents a rare instance of fossil remains in an urban archaeological context. Morphological and biometric analyses, supported by the region's Miocene geological context, confirmed the species identification. The absence of human modification suggests that it was probably not used as a tool or ritual object. The find indicates that Hellenistic communities in Panticapaeum, a key center of the Bosporan Kingdom, may have collected such fossils as curiosities or symbolic items, reflecting engagement with the region's paleontological heritage. This discovery underscores the value of interdisciplinary approaches to studying ancient human–fossil interactions.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>A. V. Zinoviev</dc:creator> <category>SHORT REPORT</category> <dc:title>On the Discovery of a Fossil Seal Scapula in Ancient Panticapaeum (Crimean Peninsula)</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70002</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70002</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70002?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>SHORT REPORT</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3419?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.3419</guid> <title>The Origins of Viking Age Dogs in Luistari, Eura, Finland</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 13-18, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTWe used stable (δ18O) and radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr) isotopic proxies to investigate the origins of dogs (Canis familiaris) buried in Viking Age graves at Luistari, Finland. While all 13 dogs exhibited oxygen isotope values compatible with local surface waters, 87Sr/86Sr ratios for two of the four dogs analyzed (graves 289 and 480) were compatible with a likely origin in southern Scandinavia. The findings align with previous evidence of the mobility of Viking Age dogs. The results highlight the importance of dogs in trade, exchange and social networks between communities in southwestern Finland and the Baltic Sea coastline during the Viking Age.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>We used stable (δ<sup>18</sup>O) and radiogenic (<sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr) isotopic proxies to investigate the origins of dogs (Canis familiaris) buried in Viking Age graves at Luistari, Finland. While all 13 dogs exhibited oxygen isotope values compatible with local surface waters, <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr ratios for two of the four dogs analyzed (graves 289 and 480) were compatible with a likely origin in southern Scandinavia. The findings align with previous evidence of the mobility of Viking Age dogs. The results highlight the importance of dogs in trade, exchange and social networks between communities in southwestern Finland and the Baltic Sea coastline during the Viking Age.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Ulla Nordfors, Alžběta Danielisová, Heli Etu‐Sihvola, Lukáš Ackerman, Kristiina Mannermaa, Laura Arppe</dc:creator> <category>SHORT REPORT</category> <dc:title>The Origins of Viking Age Dogs in Luistari, Eura, Finland</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.3419</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.3419</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3419?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>SHORT REPORT</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70007?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70007</guid> <title>Contacts and Trades in the Iron Age: The Fauna of Stufles, Italy</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 97-105, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTRecent archaeozoological studies of some buildings dating from the 6th to 1st century BC in the village of Stufles in Bressanone (South Tyrol, Italy) have uncovered crucial remains that underscore the significance of Stufles in relations and trade with the Venetian and Etruscan areas. Uncommon species in the Alpine area, such as the donkey, the mule, and a shell of Mediterranean origin, reflect the exchange of goods between the Alpine and, presumably, the Adriatic region. The osteometric data of some bones (e.g., horse), differing from the set of species measurements, may suggest imports of breeds or crosses. The presence of species, such as chicken and horse, at a time (6th century BC) when they were still rare in the Alpine area, once again indicates contacts with other populations.These findings complement the numerous archaeological remains that have surfaced in the village in recent decades. Traces of roads dating back to the Iron Age have been discovered within the village. Additionally, the discovery a few years ago of the remains of wine storage barrels and wheels (Bressanone‐Rosslauf) laid the groundwork for hypothesizing trade and commerce with the Etruscan world, which exported wine.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Recent archaeozoological studies of some buildings dating from the 6th to 1st century <span class="smallCaps">BC</span> in the village of Stufles in Bressanone (South Tyrol, Italy) have uncovered crucial remains that underscore the significance of Stufles in relations and trade with the Venetian and Etruscan areas. Uncommon species in the Alpine area, such as the donkey, the mule, and a shell of Mediterranean origin, reflect the exchange of goods between the Alpine and, presumably, the Adriatic region. The osteometric data of some bones (e.g., horse), differing from the set of species measurements, may suggest imports of breeds or crosses. The presence of species, such as chicken and horse, at a time (6th century <span class="smallCaps">BC</span>) when they were still rare in the Alpine area, once again indicates contacts with other populations.</p><p>These findings complement the numerous archaeological remains that have surfaced in the village in recent decades. Traces of roads dating back to the Iron Age have been discovered within the village. Additionally, the discovery a few years ago of the remains of wine storage barrels and wheels (Bressanone-Rosslauf) laid the groundwork for hypothesizing trade and commerce with the Etruscan world, which exported wine.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Silvia Eccher</dc:creator> <category>SPECIAL ISSUE PAPER</category> <dc:title>Contacts and Trades in the Iron Age: The Fauna of Stufles, Italy</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70007</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70007</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70007?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>SPECIAL ISSUE PAPER</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70011?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:04:20 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-13T06:04:20-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDate> <prism:coverDisplayDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0700</prism:coverDisplayDate> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70011</guid> <title>Neotaphonomic Analysis of Bone Accumulation by a Nocturnal Raptor (Bubo bubo): Evidence From Avian Remains in Oliva Mountain (Tarragona, Spain)</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 35, Issue 4, Page 136-150, July/August 2025. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTRaptors play a major role in the formation of avian bone assemblages. To distinguish the agents responsible for accumulations, it is necessary to deepen their taphonomic patterns, derived from the consumption process carried out by the predator. These patterns aid in interpreting fossil assemblages, facilitating palaeoecological reconstruction and the analysis of predator–prey interactions. In turn, different nocturnal raptor species exhibit highly variable consumption and accumulation patterns, whereas even the same species can generate distinct signatures. Consequently, avian accumulations from the same raptor species may vary in prey taxonomy, anatomical representation, and bone surface modifications. Neotaphonomy plays a crucial role in analyzing these patterns in modern bone assemblages, where the predator is known. We analyzed three avian assemblages from different areas of Oliva Mountain (Tarragona, Spain), where the Eurasian eagle‐owl (Bubo bubo) foraged for 1 year, revealing different consumption patterns within the same ecological niche. Most remains were accumulated during the breeding season; however, the observed patterns suggest the predator mainly used this area for roosting. Differences in functionality—plucking, dismemberment, and regurgitation—of the analyzed assemblages according to prey consumption stages by B. bubo have been identified. The consumed prey primarily belong to Columbiformes and Passeriformes, exhibiting variability in anatomical representation, beak modifications, and digestion damage across the studied areas. In the case of Columbiformes, greater peck damage on the scapular joints suggests wing detachment to facilitate consumption by B. bubo. On the other hand, Passeriformes exhibited fewer beak marks but higher digestion rates, likely due to full ingestion. In this study, we provide a new neotaphonomic perspective on the accumulations generated by a nocturnal raptor such as B. bubo, documenting its ability to produce different avian assemblages depending on the stage of prey consumption. This enables the characterization of distinct prey consumption and accumulation patterns by a specific species, which allows for the recognition of these patterns in fossil assemblages and the identification of potential accumulating agents.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Raptors play a major role in the formation of avian bone assemblages. To distinguish the agents responsible for accumulations, it is necessary to deepen their taphonomic patterns, derived from the consumption process carried out by the predator. These patterns aid in interpreting fossil assemblages, facilitating palaeoecological reconstruction and the analysis of predator–prey interactions. In turn, different nocturnal raptor species exhibit highly variable consumption and accumulation patterns, whereas even the same species can generate distinct signatures. Consequently, avian accumulations from the same raptor species may vary in prey taxonomy, anatomical representation, and bone surface modifications. Neotaphonomy plays a crucial role in analyzing these patterns in modern bone assemblages, where the predator is known. We analyzed three avian assemblages from different areas of Oliva Mountain (Tarragona, Spain), where the Eurasian eagle-owl (<i>Bubo bubo</i>) foraged for 1 year, revealing different consumption patterns within the same ecological niche. Most remains were accumulated during the breeding season; however, the observed patterns suggest the predator mainly used this area for roosting. Differences in functionality—plucking, dismemberment, and regurgitation—of the analyzed assemblages according to prey consumption stages by <i>B. bubo</i> have been identified. The consumed prey primarily belong to Columbiformes and Passeriformes, exhibiting variability in anatomical representation, beak modifications, and digestion damage across the studied areas. In the case of Columbiformes, greater peck damage on the scapular joints suggests wing detachment to facilitate consumption by <i>B. bubo</i>. On the other hand, Passeriformes exhibited fewer beak marks but higher digestion rates, likely due to full ingestion. In this study, we provide a new neotaphonomic perspective on the accumulations generated by a nocturnal raptor such as <i>B. bubo</i>, documenting its ability to produce different avian assemblages depending on the stage of prey consumption. This enables the characterization of distinct prey consumption and accumulation patterns by a specific species, which allows for the recognition of these patterns in fossil assemblages and the identification of potential accumulating agents.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Mario Marqueta, Maria Boada, Carmen Núñez‐Lahuerta, Rosa Huguet</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Neotaphonomic Analysis of Bone Accumulation by a Nocturnal Raptor (Bubo bubo): Evidence From Avian Remains in Oliva Mountain (Tarragona, Spain)</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70011</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70011</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70011?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> <prism:volume>35</prism:volume> <prism:number>4</prism:number> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70020?af=R</link> <pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:01:35 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-06T08:01:35-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70020</guid> <title>Cuon Versus Canis: A Comparative Guide to the Morphological Distinction of Postcranial Bones and Its Archaeo‐Paleontological Implications</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe genera Cuon and Canis are part of the carnivore guild during the late Middle and Late Pleistocene in Europe. However, most identifications in archaeo‐palaeontological contexts are made on cranial and dental elements as these are taxonomically the most diagnostic anatomical regions. In contrast, taxonomical identifications of postcranial remains are scarce and often based on metric criteria because of their morphological similarity between the two taxa. This is one of the main causes of the low level of visibility of Cuon in the fossil record. Therefore, to partially solve this problem, this study presents a comparative analysis of the postcranial anatomy of extant and fossil Cuon and Canis, tested on several modern referential and fossil assemblages, as a morphological guide for a more precise determination of these canid genera in archaeo‐palaeontological assemblages. The application of this comparative guide on Pleistocene large canid assemblage results in an increase in the identification to genus level. Therefore, this work is a useful tool for the identification of Cuon remains, which enhances the visibility of this genus in the European fossil record and provides new opportunities to advance in the understanding of its anatomy and its variation.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The genera <i>Cuon</i> and <i>Canis</i> are part of the carnivore guild during the late Middle and Late Pleistocene in Europe. However, most identifications in archaeo-palaeontological contexts are made on cranial and dental elements as these are taxonomically the most diagnostic anatomical regions. In contrast, taxonomical identifications of postcranial remains are scarce and often based on metric criteria because of their morphological similarity between the two taxa. This is one of the main causes of the low level of visibility of <i>Cuon</i> in the fossil record. Therefore, to partially solve this problem, this study presents a comparative analysis of the postcranial anatomy of extant and fossil <i>Cuon</i> and <i>Canis</i>, tested on several modern referential and fossil assemblages, as a morphological guide for a more precise determination of these canid genera in archaeo-palaeontological assemblages. The application of this comparative guide on Pleistocene large canid assemblage results in an increase in the identification to genus level. Therefore, this work is a useful tool for the identification of <i>Cuon</i> remains, which enhances the visibility of this genus in the European fossil record and provides new opportunities to advance in the understanding of its anatomy and its variation.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Alfred Sanchis, Jean Philip Brugal, Leopoldo Pérez, Cristina Real, Asier Gómez‐Olivencia, Elsa Duarte, Marco de la Rasilla, Francisco Pastor, Valentín Villaverde, Manuel Pérez Ripoll</dc:creator> <category>METHODS AND TOOLS</category> <dc:title>Cuon Versus Canis: A Comparative Guide to the Morphological Distinction of Postcranial Bones and Its Archaeo‐Paleontological Implications</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70020</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70020</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70020?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>METHODS AND TOOLS</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70006?af=R</link> <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:18:40 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-05T09:18:40-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70006</guid> <title>Local Food, Interregional Rituals: Insights Into Wari Imperialism From Zooarchaeology at El Palacio, Cajamarca, Peru</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe scholarship on the Wari Empire (ca. 600–1050 ce), the earliest pan‐Andean expansive polity, has been undergoing critical reevaluation, paralleling broader shifts in the discipline of ancient empire studies. This recent paradigm shift offers an alternative to earlier research strategies, which focused on finding evidence of Wari uniformity and extensive resource extraction. Instead, newer research suggests that Wari's socioeconomic strategies were more nuanced, resulting in varied political outcomes across different regions. Our study adds to this body of knowledge by investigating animal use in the overlooked northern Wari sphere of influence within the modern Cajamarca department. The zooarchaeological analysis of 5871 faunal specimens from two spatial units at El Palacio, a Wari regional administrative center in southern Cajamarca, revealed that the site primarily relied on domesticated native fauna, mainly small camelids and guinea pigs, for both subsistence and ritual purposes. Reliance on domesticates was supplemented with occasionally procuring wildlife such as vicuña, puma, and white‐tailed deer; the presence of the latter was identified with a supplemental ZooMS analysis. The regional focus of El Palacio's animal use supports the earlier assumptions about the Cajamarca region's self‐reliant status within the Wari political network and reinforces the view of the Wari economic hegemony as a varied and flexible process.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The scholarship on the Wari Empire (ca. 600–1050 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>), the earliest pan-Andean expansive polity, has been undergoing critical reevaluation, paralleling broader shifts in the discipline of ancient empire studies. This recent paradigm shift offers an alternative to earlier research strategies, which focused on finding evidence of Wari uniformity and extensive resource extraction. Instead, newer research suggests that Wari's socioeconomic strategies were more nuanced, resulting in varied political outcomes across different regions. Our study adds to this body of knowledge by investigating animal use in the overlooked northern Wari sphere of influence within the modern Cajamarca department. The zooarchaeological analysis of 5871 faunal specimens from two spatial units at El Palacio, a Wari regional administrative center in southern Cajamarca, revealed that the site primarily relied on domesticated native fauna, mainly small camelids and guinea pigs, for both subsistence and ritual purposes. Reliance on domesticates was supplemented with occasionally procuring wildlife such as vicuña, puma, and white-tailed deer; the presence of the latter was identified with a supplemental ZooMS analysis. The regional focus of El Palacio's animal use supports the earlier assumptions about the Cajamarca region's self-reliant status within the Wari political network and reinforces the view of the Wari economic hegemony as a varied and flexible process.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Weronika Tomczyk, Shinya Watanabe, Jay Hilsden</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Local Food, Interregional Rituals: Insights Into Wari Imperialism From Zooarchaeology at El Palacio, Cajamarca, Peru</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70006</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70006</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70006?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70016?af=R</link> <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-08-05T12:00:00-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70016</guid> <title>Beyond the Binary? A Multi‐Method Approach to Sexing Children at the Viking Age Site of Ihre, Gotland</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTThe assessment of sex is fundamental in osteoarcheological analysis, yet traditional morphological methods are less reliable for children due to the incomplete development of sexually dimorphic traits. This study applies a multi‐method approach—integrating morphological, metric, and genetic data—to assess sex and, through analysis of burial assemblages, explore gender expression as an interpretative complement. While analytically distinct, gender and sex are deeply intertwined, and considering both can offer a fuller understanding of identity.The study focuses on the Viking Age (c. 750–1050 ce) burial site of Ihre, Gotland, with particular attention to individuals under 20. Results reveal strong alignment between metric and genetic sex. Mandibular odontometric analysis proved more consistent than traditional morphological traits when compared to genetic sex, offering an accessible and effective supplement for sex estimation in children. In adolescents, pelvic traits were most informative, while cranial traits showed limited reliability. Genetic sexing provided a critical reference, highlighting misclassifications in morphological assessments, particularly among genetic males.Burial assemblage analysis indicates that gender expression often corresponded with biological sex but varied with age. Female graves typically included dress items such as brooches and pendants, especially after adolescence, while male graves more frequently featured tools and weapons. These patterns suggest that gendered roles and identities were materially expressed and changed over the life course.The findings underscore the importance of a multi‐method approach in sex estimation, particularly for children, and demonstrate the value of contextual archeological analysis in interpreting past identities. At Ihre, the interplay between sex, gender, and social identity in mortuary practices suggests a framework that, while broadly organized around binary distinctions, was shaped by age and culturally specific factors—highlighting identity as dynamic, layered, and context‐dependent.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>The assessment of sex is fundamental in osteoarcheological analysis, yet traditional morphological methods are less reliable for children due to the incomplete development of sexually dimorphic traits. This study applies a multi-method approach—integrating morphological, metric, and genetic data—to assess sex and, through analysis of burial assemblages, explore gender expression as an interpretative complement. While analytically distinct, gender and sex are deeply intertwined, and considering both can offer a fuller understanding of identity.</p><p>The study focuses on the Viking Age (c. 750–1050 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>) burial site of Ihre, Gotland, with particular attention to individuals under 20. Results reveal strong alignment between metric and genetic sex. Mandibular odontometric analysis proved more consistent than traditional morphological traits when compared to genetic sex, offering an accessible and effective supplement for sex estimation in children. In adolescents, pelvic traits were most informative, while cranial traits showed limited reliability. Genetic sexing provided a critical reference, highlighting misclassifications in morphological assessments, particularly among genetic males.</p><p>Burial assemblage analysis indicates that gender expression often corresponded with biological sex but varied with age. Female graves typically included dress items such as brooches and pendants, especially after adolescence, while male graves more frequently featured tools and weapons. These patterns suggest that gendered roles and identities were materially expressed and changed over the life course.</p><p>The findings underscore the importance of a multi-method approach in sex estimation, particularly for children, and demonstrate the value of contextual archeological analysis in interpreting past identities. At Ihre, the interplay between sex, gender, and social identity in mortuary practices suggests a framework that, while broadly organized around binary distinctions, was shaped by age and culturally specific factors—highlighting identity as dynamic, layered, and context-dependent.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Marieke Ivarsson‐Aalders, Maja Krzewińska, Ellen Karlsson, Anders Götherström, Anna Kjellström</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Beyond the Binary? A Multi‐Method Approach to Sexing Children at the Viking Age Site of Ihre, Gotland</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70016</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70016</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70016?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70018?af=R</link> <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2025 01:10:11 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-07-28T01:10:11-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70018</guid> <title>The Introduction of Chickens Into Norway and Their Early Use: New Evidence From the Borgund Kaupang</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTChickens reached areas of northern Europe by the 6th to 5th century bce, but their dispersal into Scandinavia appears delayed. Here we present a thorough assessment of chicken remains recovered from Borgund, a deserted late Viking Age–Medieval urban site located near Ålesund on the west coast of Norway. Direct and indirect dating of 20 chicken bones gives an age range from the Viking Age to the boundary between the High and Late Medieval. The Borgund chickens thus include some of the earliest evidence for chicken‐keeping in Norway. The absence of juveniles indicates that chickens were kept for secondary products, such as eggs and feathers, and societal reasons rather than just meat. This is in line with data on chickens from Medieval Norway. The low percentage of chickens in comparison to other domestic species indicates chickens were not a vital part of the day‐to‐day diet of the people of Borgund. The chickens here represent the earliest unambiguous record for the west coast and second earliest for Norway, indicating a Viking Age introduction. The existence of Viking Age trading networks with northwestern Norway and Denmark suggests that chickens may have been introduced to Borgund through this route. Alternatively, chickens may have been first introduced in southern Norway via a separate Viking Age network and then spread from there. The route through which chickens came to Borgund remains unclear.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Chickens reached areas of northern Europe by the 6th to 5th century <span class="smallCaps">bce</span>, but their dispersal into Scandinavia appears delayed. Here we present a thorough assessment of chicken remains recovered from Borgund, a deserted late Viking Age–Medieval urban site located near Ålesund on the west coast of Norway. Direct and indirect dating of 20 chicken bones gives an age range from the Viking Age to the boundary between the High and Late Medieval. The Borgund chickens thus include some of the earliest evidence for chicken-keeping in Norway. The absence of juveniles indicates that chickens were kept for secondary products, such as eggs and feathers, and societal reasons rather than just meat. This is in line with data on chickens from Medieval Norway. The low percentage of chickens in comparison to other domestic species indicates chickens were not a vital part of the day-to-day diet of the people of Borgund. The chickens here represent the earliest unambiguous record for the west coast and second earliest for Norway, indicating a Viking Age introduction. The existence of Viking Age trading networks with northwestern Norway and Denmark suggests that chickens may have been introduced to Borgund through this route. Alternatively, chickens may have been first introduced in southern Norway via a separate Viking Age network and then spread from there. The route through which chickens came to Borgund remains unclear.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Samuel J. Walker, Hanneke J. M. Meijer, Julia Best, Gitte Hansen</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>The Introduction of Chickens Into Norway and Their Early Use: New Evidence From the Borgund Kaupang</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70018</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70018</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70018?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> <item> <link>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70017?af=R</link> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 05:34:18 -0700</pubDate> <dc:date>2025-07-24T05:34:18-07:00</dc:date> <source url="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10991212?af=R">Wiley: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology: Table of Contents</source> <prism:coverDate/> <prism:coverDisplayDate/> <guid isPermaLink="false">10.1002/oa.70017</guid> <title>Demographic Composition and Pathology of the Human Occupants and Sacrificial Victims at Ancient Korean Tombs</title> <description>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView. </description> <dc:description>ABSTRACTArchaeological evidence demonstrates that mortuary practices involving human sacrifice, known in Korea as sunjang, were conducted in ancient Korea. However, few studies have examined the biological attributes of individuals associated with this practice to explore the relationship between sacrificial victims and principal tomb occupants or to clarify their social roles within the contemporary society. This study examines human skeletal remains excavated from the Imdang Burial Complex, one of the best‐preserved sunjang tomb sites from the Three Kingdoms period (ca. 1st century bce to 668 ce), notable for its large‐scale preservation of both principal tomb occupants and sacrificial victims. Through detailed osteological analysis, we investigate the demographic and pathological profiles of individuals interred at the site. Individuals were classified as principal tomb occupants or sacrificial victims based on archaeological evidence, and biological sex and age‐at‐death were estimated to identify demographic trends within each group. Pathological markers were analyzed to evaluate potential differences in health status between groups. Results indicate no significant difference in the sex composition between the two groups; however, female sacrificial victims were more often interred within the main burial chamber alongside the tomb occupant. Sacrificial victims in the main chamber were generally older than those in the subsidiary chambers, and a positive correlation existed between the age of the tomb occupant and the number of sacrificial victims. Although no significant differences were found in the frequency or severity of pathological indicators between groups, pathology scores were positively correlated with skeletal preservation quality, underscoring the need for caution when interpreting pathological data from poorly preserved remains. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of ancient Korean mortuary practices by elucidating the biological aspect of the individuals associated with the sunjang practice.</dc:description> <content:encoded><h2>ABSTRACT</h2><p>Archaeological evidence demonstrates that mortuary practices involving human sacrifice, known in Korea as <i>sunjang</i>, were conducted in ancient Korea. However, few studies have examined the biological attributes of individuals associated with this practice to explore the relationship between sacrificial victims and principal tomb occupants or to clarify their social roles within the contemporary society. This study examines human skeletal remains excavated from the Imdang Burial Complex, one of the best-preserved <i>sunjang</i> tomb sites from the Three Kingdoms period (<i>ca</i>. 1st century <span class="smallCaps">bce</span> to 668 <span class="smallCaps">ce</span>), notable for its large-scale preservation of both principal tomb occupants and sacrificial victims. Through detailed osteological analysis, we investigate the demographic and pathological profiles of individuals interred at the site. Individuals were classified as principal tomb occupants or sacrificial victims based on archaeological evidence, and biological sex and age-at-death were estimated to identify demographic trends within each group. Pathological markers were analyzed to evaluate potential differences in health status between groups. Results indicate no significant difference in the sex composition between the two groups; however, female sacrificial victims were more often interred within the main burial chamber alongside the tomb occupant. Sacrificial victims in the main chamber were generally older than those in the subsidiary chambers, and a positive correlation existed between the age of the tomb occupant and the number of sacrificial victims. Although no significant differences were found in the frequency or severity of pathological indicators between groups, pathology scores were positively correlated with skeletal preservation quality, underscoring the need for caution when interpreting pathological data from poorly preserved remains. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of ancient Korean mortuary practices by elucidating the biological aspect of the individuals associated with the <i>sunjang</i> practice.</p></content:encoded> <dc:creator>Eun Jin Woo, Yangseung Jeong, Daewook Kim, Minwoo Seo</dc:creator> <category>RESEARCH ARTICLE</category> <dc:title>Demographic Composition and Pathology of the Human Occupants and Sacrificial Victims at Ancient Korean Tombs</dc:title> <dc:identifier>10.1002/oa.70017</dc:identifier> <prism:publicationName>International Journal of Osteoarchaeology</prism:publicationName> <prism:doi>10.1002/oa.70017</prism:doi> <prism:url>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.70017?af=R</prism:url> <prism:section>RESEARCH ARTICLE</prism:section> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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