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#CLST6 #RR6 CW: Human Remains shown. There are many methods that can be used to study human remains. For juveniles, examining teeth is a good way to establish an age at death or to determine their lifestyles, since teeth “form and then erupt at very specific times” [1]. https://twitter.com/FlintCLST6/status/1311333243346653186
Essentially, archaeologists investigate the “calcification, eruption, and replacement of the milk teeth”, the sequence of eruption, and the degree of wear to better understand past people’s diets and food preparation techniques as well as the microstructure of their teeth [2].
Other aspects of teeth can also provide insight into an individual’s age. For instance, roots of children’s teeth (mandible of an ~18 month old child shown below) are still immature and the roots of old teeth “gradually become translucent from the tip upwards” [2].
![Other aspects of teeth can also provide insight into an individual’s age. For instance, roots of children’s teeth (mandible of an ~18 month old child shown below) are still immature and the roots of old teeth “gradually become translucent from the tip upwards” [2].](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EjSUNjlXcAAoCwv.jpg "Other aspects of teeth can also provide insight into an individual’s age. For instance, roots of children’s teeth (mandible of an ~18 month old child shown below) are still immature and the roots of old teeth “gradually become translucent from the tip upwards” [2].")
Finally, marks on teeth can be an indication of how our ancestors used their mouths to “grip and cut things”, and in the case of Neanderthals, we see extreme wear on the teeth of very young adults and frequent occurrences of enamel chipping and microfractures [3].
Citations:
[1] "Interview with Maria Liston", YouTube, uploaded by Flint Dibble, 30 September 2020.
[2] "The Bioarchaeology of People", Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn, 2016, p. 437.
[3] "The Bioarchaeology of People", Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn, 2016, p. 450.
[1] "Interview with Maria Liston", YouTube, uploaded by Flint Dibble, 30 September 2020.
[2] "The Bioarchaeology of People", Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn, 2016, p. 437.
[3] "The Bioarchaeology of People", Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn, 2016, p. 450.
Image Source:
"Interview with Maria Liston", YouTube, uploaded by Flint Dibble, 30 September 2020.
"Interview with Maria Liston", YouTube, uploaded by Flint Dibble, 30 September 2020.
