RESUMEN
The present article offers the facial approximation of the mummy of the ancient Egyptian adolescent named Minirdis (ca. 2300 years BP) by means of anatomical analysis of video-images and through a facial approximation protocol implemented on more historical personages. An evaluation of the mummy's endocast is also offered. A potential diagnosis of Sotos syndrome is cautiously considered but its inherent limitations are detailed. Finally, the methodology is presented as a valuable tool both for bio-historical research and for further studies on normal and pathologic morphologies of the cranio-facial district.
Asunto(s)
Cara , Imagenología Tridimensional , Momias , Humanos , Momias/historia , Cara/anatomía & histología , Imagenología Tridimensional/métodos , Antiguo Egipto , Historia Antigua , Adolescente , EgiptoAsunto(s)
Historia Antigua , Historia de la Odontología , Diente Molar , Momias/historia , Antiguo EgiptoRESUMEN
Our understanding of the limits of animal life is continually revised by scientific exploration of extreme environments. Here we report the discovery of mummified cadavers of leaf-eared mice, Phyllotis vaccarum, from the summits of three different Andean volcanoes at elevations 6,029-6,233 m above sea level in the Puna de Atacama in Chile and Argentina. Such extreme elevations were previously assumed to be completely uninhabitable by mammals. In combination with a live-captured specimen of the same species from the nearby summit of Volcán Llullaillaco (6,739 m)1, the summit mummies represent the highest altitude physical records of mammals in the world. We also report a chromosome-level genome assembly for P. vaccarum that, in combination with a whole-genome re-sequencing analysis and radiocarbon dating analysis, provides insights into the provenance and antiquity of the summit mice. Radiocarbon data indicate that the most ancient of the mummies are, at most, a few centuries old. Genomic polymorphism data revealed a high degree of continuity between the summit mice and conspecifics from lower elevations in the surrounding Altiplano. Genomic data also revealed equal numbers of males and females among the summit mice and evidence of close kinship between some individuals from the same summits. These findings bolster evidence for resident populations of Phyllotis at elevations >6,000 m and challenge assumptions about the environmental limits of vertebrate life and the physiological tolerances of small mammals.
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Brassicaceae , Momias , Masculino , Femenino , Animales , Ratones , Chile , Genómica , Argentina , SigmodontinaeRESUMEN
The War of the Pacific (1879-1884) was a big scale war between Chile against the alliance of Peru and Bolivia. One of the most important battles, the "Batalla del Campo de la Alianza" was situated in the desert near Tacna, Peru. The conditions of this environment favored the conservation of the dead soldiers after many years. Decades ago, the Natural History Museum of Concepción in Chile, received a naturally mummified individual of a probably Chilean soldier as a donation; its uncertain context was never studied nor confirmed. Considering this, our investigation analyzed this body under exploratory methods, ballistic analysis, archaeological contrast, 14C radiocarbon dating, ancient DNA, and isotopic analysis to reconstruct the biological profile of this mummy. The results indicated that the mummy belongs to an adult man between 33-39 years of age (> 1.50 m) and has a perimortem wound in the left flank of the abdomen. CT scan and X-rays revealed the presence of a bullet (Comblain II or Gras) hosted near the L2 vertebra. It is possible that the individual died of bleeding from a gunshot wound done by a long-distance firearm projectile from an inferior level, whose trajectory was from left to right, with slight inclination towards the top, and without a projectile exit. Other analyses confirmed the historical context and suggests the Chilean origin of the mummy. Despite the passage of time and other factors, it was possible to reconstruct the death of this individual thanks to technology and approaches from different disciplines.
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Momias , Heridas por Arma de Fuego , Adulto , Arqueología , Humanos , Masculino , Perú , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
Parasitism is inherent to life and observed in all species. Extinct animals have been studied to understand what they looked like, where and how they lived, what they fed on, and the reasons they became extinct. Paleoparasitology helps to clarify these questions based on the study of the parasites and microorganisms that infected those animals, using as a source material coprolites, fossils in rock, tissue, bone, mummy, and amber, analyses of ancient DNA, immunodiagnosis, and microscopy.
Asunto(s)
Extinción Biológica , Fósiles/parasitología , Sedimentos Geológicos/parasitología , Paleopatología , Enfermedades Parasitarias en Animales/historia , Ámbar , Animales , Huesos/microbiología , Huesos/parasitología , Huesos/patología , Historia Antigua , Momias/parasitologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: This study explores whether ancient Atacama Desert populations in northern Chile were exposed to endemic boron contamination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), we studied 144 strands of ancient mummy hair, ranging from 3000 B.C. to 1500 A.D., excavated from the Lluta, Azapa, and Camarones valleys in northern Chile. We tested whether these ancient populations showed signs of significant boron concentration in hair tissue. RESULTS: On average, all individuals from these valleys showed high boron concentrations, ranging from 1.5 to 4 times above the average boron concentration in contemporary hair (baseline <0.85 µg/g). The boron concentration in mummy hair varied according to the main geographic areas mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: The rivers of northern Chile have high geogenic boron concentrations. They contain 38 times above the recommended limit for human consumption. Geogenic boron contamination likely played a role in population morbidity and the types of crops that were cultivated in antiquity. The ancient populations were chronically affected by boron overexposure, suggesting that ancient geogenic water contamination should be considered when discussing the biocultural trajectories of ancient populations.
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Boro/análisis , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Adolescente , Adulto , Niño , Preescolar , Chile , Clima Desértico , Femenino , Cabello/química , Historia Antigua , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Momias/historia , Ríos/química , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to search for ancient parasites in abdominal content and coprolites from Bolivian mummies. MATERIALS: Twelve mummified individuals from the Andean highlands, housed at the National Museum of Archaeology (MUNARQ) in La Paz, Bolivia. METHODS: Microscopic analysis of rehydrated samples (coprolites and abdominal content), following Lutz's spontaneous sedimentation technique. RESULTS: Eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were identified in coprolites from one mummy, and capillariid eggs in the organic abdominal content from another individual. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first evidence of ancient intestinal parasites in Bolivian mummies. SIGNIFICANCE: This pioneering study focused on the search of ancient intestinal parasites in human remains of the Bolivian Andes and contributes to greater knowledge of paleoparasitology in South America. LIMITATIONS: All mummies in the MUNARQ belonged to the Andean Bolivian highlands (post-Tiwanaku era or Late Intermediate Period), although the exact provenance of the material and the associated contexts are not well recorded. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Considering the great number of well-known archaeological sites and other unexplored sites in Bolivia, in addition to large collections in museums, further paleopathological and paleoparasitological molecular studies in mummies and skeletons are called for.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Enoplida/parasitología , Enterobiasis/parasitología , Indígenas Sudamericanos/historia , Momias/parasitología , Abdomen/parasitología , Adulto , Animales , Bolivia , Enóplidos/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones por Enoplida/historia , Enterobiasis/historia , Enterobius/aislamiento & purificación , Heces/parasitología , Femenino , Historia Antigua , Humanos , Parasitosis Intestinales/historia , Parasitosis Intestinales/parasitología , Estadios del Ciclo de Vida/fisiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Momias/historia , PaleopatologíaRESUMEN
In the pre-Hispanic Central Andes, the mummified bodies of ancestors stood as the basis for the social and cosmic order. However, the mummification techniques in that region are still poorly understood, as there have been surprisingly few archaeometric studies on their technical aspects. For that reason, we selected two mummies of the Chancay culture (900-1533 AD), on which to perform extensive chemical characterisation using a combination of molecular and elemental analysis and nanoscale imaging. The multimodal chemical study included the use of ATR FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, GC-MS and HPLC-MS techniques, and allowed the identification of a plethora of organic and inorganic substances present in their skin. Moreover, we were able to recognise different patterns of decomposition in each case. Data obtained during this study suggest that, in the last centuries before the Inca Empire conquered the Peruvian Central Coast, local societies treated some of their dead in a special manner, covering their bodies with balms composed of many substances. Some of these substances had anti-decay properties and could stop further decomposition of the skin.
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Momias , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Hispánicos o Latinos , Humanos , Espectrometría de Masas , PerúRESUMEN
Skeletal and mummified remains from South America have had a significant impact on the progress of paleopathological research. In 1997, John Verano synthesized the state of paleopathological research, identifying trends and highlighting future potentials. The goal of this contribution is to consider Verano's observations on advances in soft tissue paleopathology within the context of the development of the field of mummy studies. As his article was published near the midpoint between the present and the early 1970s, when the modern form of mummy studies began to form, considering his observations in this context allows researchers the opportunity to consider how the field has progressed since the late 1990s.
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Enfermedad/historia , Momias/historia , Paleopatología , Proyectos de Investigación , Difusión de Innovaciones , Predicción , Historia Antigua , Humanos , Momias/patología , Paleopatología/historia , Paleopatología/tendencias , Proyectos de Investigación/tendencias , América del SurRESUMEN
The genetic information of ancient Paragonimus westermani, the oriental lung fluke infecting over 20 million people worldwide, has not been thoroughly investigated thus far. We analysed genetic markers (COI and ITS2) of P. westermani from coprolite specimens (n = 6) obtained from 15th to 18th century Korean mummies. Our results indicated that all P. westermani sequences were generally distinct from the other species of the genus Paragonimus. The sequences were clustered into three groups: Group I for East Asia; Group II for South and Southeast Asia; and Group III for India and Sri Lanka. In this study, we found that ancient P. westermani sequences in Korea belong to Group I, adding invaluable information to the existing knowledge of Paragonimus paleogenetics.
Asunto(s)
ADN de Helmintos/genética , ADN Espaciador Ribosómico/genética , Complejo IV de Transporte de Electrones/genética , Heces/parasitología , Momias/parasitología , Paragonimus westermani/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Asia , Humanos , Paleodontología , Paragonimus westermani/genética , Recuento de Huevos de Parásitos , FilogeniaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: CT scanning was utilized to investigate an intact mummy bundle within the bioarchaeology of care framework. The project sought to ascertain whether a 'virtual' analysis was feasible, thereby avoiding physical disturbance to bundle structure and contents. METHODS: The bundle selected for this study contained an adult male (FA 54), Ichma culture, Peru, displaying evidence for two pathologies: chronic osteomyelitis of the right tibia, and cranial trauma. CT images provided the basis for bioarchaeology of care analysis, which followed Index of Care protocols. RESULTS: CT images enabled description and diagnosis of FA 54, and revealed human neonate remains and material artifacts within the bundle. Probable disease impacts were identified, and likely forms of care provided were inferred. CT scanning was of limited value in identifying characteristics of textile wrapping (a clue to cultural identity) and in resolving questions regarding funerary treatment (primary vs. secondary burial), and this constrained consideration of wider social implications of caregiving. CONCLUSION: 'Virtual' examination of FA 54 achieved an advanced stage of bioarchaeology of care analysis, but building on this would require physical examination of bundle elements. Further investigation of CT imaging potential for bioarchaeology of care research in mummy studies is recommended.
Asunto(s)
Arqueología , Servicios de Salud/historia , Momias/historia , Osteomielitis/historia , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/historia , Artefactos , Entierro , Historia Antigua , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prácticas Mortuorias , Momias/diagnóstico por imagen , Momias/patología , Osteomielitis/diagnóstico por imagen , Osteomielitis/patología , PerúRESUMEN
Results involving the analysis of gallstones found in two pre-Hispanic Colombian mummies are presented. By applying SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), sectioning, and CT-scan Hounsfield Units, we were able to identify these choleliths as mainly formed by cholesterol. The number of reports on gallstones in archaeological human remains from South America is very small, making these two cases an important addition to what little is known about ancient gallstone disease on the continent.
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Cálculos Biliares/historia , Momias/historia , Arqueología/historia , Colesterol/historia , Colombia , Cálculos Biliares/patología , Historia del Siglo XIX , Humanos , América del Sur , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Difracción de Rayos X/métodosRESUMEN
The Bioarchaeology of Care approach developed by Tilley is usually applied to skeletalized human remains, given the usual constraints of preservation bias that are seen with archaeological assemblages. However, other tissues, such as hair are sometimes preserved and can provide a wealth of information that can supplement the skeletal data. Archaeological hair has been analysed for drug compounds for almost thirty years. This article integrates data from hair analyses for coca metabolites, stable light isotope analysis and aDNA to expand the potential of the Bioarchaeology of Care approach using the example of a spontaneously mummified adult female from northern Chile.
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Arqueología , Enfermedad de Chagas/historia , Coca/química , Cabello/química , Momias/historia , Adulto , Restos Mortales/química , Restos Mortales/patología , Isótopos de Carbono/análisis , Enfermedad de Chagas/patología , Chile , Tejido Conectivo/química , Tejido Conectivo/patología , Dieta/historia , Personas con Discapacidad , Femenino , Servicios de Salud/historia , Historia Antigua , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Momias/patología , Músculos/química , Músculos/patología , Isótopos de Nitrógeno/análisisRESUMEN
The genetic information of ancient Paragonimus westermani, the oriental lung fluke infecting over 20 million people worldwide, has not been thoroughly investigated thus far. We analysed genetic markers (COI and ITS2) of P. westermani from coprolite specimens (n = 6) obtained from 15th to 18th century Korean mummies. Our results indicated that all P. westermani sequences were generally distinct from the other species of the genus Paragonimus. The sequences were clustered into three groups: Group I for East Asia; Group II for South and Southeast Asia; and Group III for India and Sri Lanka. In this study, we found that ancient P. westermani sequences in Korea belong to Group I, adding invaluable information to the existing knowledge of Paragonimus paleogenetics.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Animales , Momias/parasitología , Complejo IV de Transporte de Electrones/genética , ADN de Helmintos/genética , ADN Espaciador Ribosómico/genética , Paragonimus westermani/aislamiento & purificación , Heces/parasitología , Paleodontología , Recuento de Huevos de Parásitos , Filogenia , Asia , Paragonimus westermani/genéticaRESUMEN
This article describes the hidden natural chemical contaminants present in a unique desert environment and their health consequences on ancient populations. Currently, millions of people are affected worldwide by toxic elements such as arsenic. Using data gathered from Atacama Desert mummies, we discuss long-term exposure and biocultural adaptation to toxic elements. The rivers that bring life to the Atacama Desert are paradoxically laden with arsenic and other minerals that are invisible and tasteless. High intake of these toxic elements results in severe health and behavioral problems, and even death. We demonstrate that Inca colonies, from Camarones 9 site, were significantly affected by chemical contaminants in their food and water. It appears however, some modern-day Andean populations resist the elevated levels of arsenic exposure as a result of positive selection mediated via the arsenic methyltransferase enzyme and display more tolerance to high chemical doses. This article further debate the effects of natural pollution and biocultural adaptation of past populations.
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Intoxicación por Arsénico , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Arqueología , Arsénico/análisis , Arsénico/metabolismo , Niño , Humanos , Momias , Polidactilia , Enfermedades de la Piel , América del SurRESUMEN
A review of the bioarchaeological collections from the site Morro de Arica in northern Chile allowed the identification of two cases of human polydactyly. Both cases are from the Chinchorro culture, hunters, fishers, and gatherers with a maritime orientation who inhabited the coast of the Atacama Desert (9000-3400â¯BP). Additionally, the analyses of 75 rock art sites in the area, from the Formative to Late Intermediate Periods (3000-550â¯BP), allowed the identification of hands and feet with six digits. Given the bioarchaeological record of polydactyly, it is highly probable that the rock art images were based on real individuals with polydactyly. However, the Sr chemical signal in a juvenile with polydactyly is the same as the Sr chemical signal in the rest of the individuals buried in the same site, proving that all the individuals were born and lived on the coast. We discuss the idea that, although these anomalies could have been the result of genetic mutations, endogamy and exposition to ecotoxic environments could also be at play within the Chinchorro groups.
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Polidactilia/historia , Adolescente , Chile , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Historia Antigua , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Momias , Polidactilia/etiología , Estroncio/análisisRESUMEN
In the field of archaeological parasitology, researchers have long documented the distribution of parasites in archaeological time and space through the analysis of coprolites and human remains. This area of research defined the origin and migration of parasites through presence/absence studies. By the end of the 20th century, the field of pathoecology had emerged as researchers developed an interest in the ancient ecology of parasite transmission. Supporting studies were conducted to establish the relationships between parasites and humans, including cultural, subsistence, and ecological reconstructions. Parasite prevalence data were collected to infer the impact of parasitism on human health. In the last few decades, a paleoepidemiological approach has emerged with a focus on applying statistical techniques for quantification. The application of egg per gram (EPG) quantification methods provide data about parasites' prevalence in ancient populations and also identify the pathological potential that parasitism presented in different time periods and geographic places. Herein, we compare the methods used in several laboratories for reporting parasite prevalence and EPG quantification. We present newer quantification methods to explore patterns of parasite overdispersion among ancient people. These new methods will be able to produce more realistic measures of parasite infections among people of the past. These measures allow researchers to compare epidemiological patterns in both ancient and modern populations.
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Arqueología/métodos , Heces/parasitología , Fósiles/parasitología , Momias/parasitología , Parásitos/aislamiento & purificación , Parasitología/métodos , Animales , HumanosRESUMEN
Shrunken heads are a mummification phenomenon unique to South America. Ceremonial tsantsa are ritually reduced heads from enemy victims of the Shuar, Achuar, Awajún (Aguaruna), Wampís (Huambisa), and Candoshi-Shapra cultures. Commercial shrunken heads are comparatively modern and fraudulently produced for the curio-market, often using stolen bodies from hospital mortuaries and graves. To achieve shrinkage and desiccation, heads undergo skinning, simmering (in water) and drying. Considering the intensive treatments applied, this research aims to identify how the facial structure can alter and impact identification using post-mortem depiction. Sixty-five human shrunken heads were assessed: 6 ceremonial, 36 commercial, and 23 ambiguous. Investigations included manual inspection, multi-detector computerised tomography, infrared reflectography, ultraviolet fluorescence and microscopic hair analysis. The mummification process disfigures the outer face, cheeks, nasal root and bridge form, including brow ridge, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose projection. Melanin depletion, epidermal degeneration, and any applied staining changes the natural skin complexion. Papillary and reticular dermis separation is possible. Normal hair structure (cuticle, cortex, medulla) is retained. Hair appears longer (unless cut) and more profuse following shrinkage. Significant features retained include skin defects, facial creases, hairlines and earlobe form. Hair conditions that only affect living scalps are preserved (e.g. nits, hair casts). Ear and nose cartilage helps to retain some morphological information. Commercial heads appear less distorted than ceremonial tsantsa, often presenting a definable eyebrow shape, vermillion lip shape, lip thickness (if mouth is open), philtrum form, and palpebral slit angle. Facial identification capabilities are considered limited, and only perceived possible for commercial heads.
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Conducta Ceremonial , Etnicidad , Cara/diagnóstico por imagen , Cara/patología , Momias , Comercio , Fluorescencia , Cabello/patología , Humanos , Rayos Infrarrojos , Microscopía , Tomografía Computarizada Multidetector , América del Sur , Rayos UltravioletaRESUMEN
The El Plomo mummy was a pre-Columbian Incan child who was found mummified in the Andes Mountains above an altitude of 17,700 feet. In the environment, natural mummification occurred due to low temperatures and strong winds. Dating measurements (relative dating) by experts from the National Museum of Natural History of Chile established that the mummified body corresponds the Inca period (1,450 to 1,500 AD). In 2003, the body was transferred to the University of Chile Medical School for exhaustive medical examination. Tissue samples from the right quadriceps muscle were extracted and fixed in glutaraldehyde and postfixed in osmium tetroxide to obtain ultrathin sections to be observed by transmission electron microscope. Images were recorded on photographic paper, digitalized and analyzed by experts on morphology. Results showed a preservation of cell boundaries in striated muscle cells, but specific subcellular organelles or contractile sarcomeric units (actin and myosin) were unable to be recognized. However, the classical ultrastructural morphology of the polypeptide collagen type I was preserved intact both in primary and secondary organization. Therefore, we concluded that the process of natural mummification by freezing and strong winds is capable of damaging the ultrastructure of muscle cells and preserving collagen type I intact.