The Medieval Climatic Anomaly and Its Impact on Health in the Pacific Rim: A Case Study From Canyon Oaks, California

Paleoclimatological analyses conducted in Western North America have discovered a prolonged period of extreme drought lasting from approximately AD 800-1350, termed the Medieval Climatic Anomaly (MCA). The effect this climatic flux may have had on prehistoric populations was evaluated through a bioarchaeological analysisof the prehistoric skeletal remains found at CA-ALA-613/H, the Canyon Oaks development site in Pleasanton, California. The skeletal remains of 98 individuals were examined to determine the general health and quality of life of the population before, during, and after the MCA. General health was assessed through an evaluation of linearenamel hypoplasias and stature. Changes in diet and oral health were recorded through an analysis of the prevalence of dental caries. There was also a consideration given to evidence for increased interpersonal violence as an indication of competition for limited resources. The results of the study indicated that the general health of the population was relatively steady over time with no change in stature and only a slight increase in prevalence of linear enamel hypoplasias during the MCA. Evidence for interpersonal violence indicated little change through time with higher rates observed prior to the MCA. Prevalence of dental caries revealed significant temporal and sexual differences. Males showed an increased reliance on marine resources beginning during the MCA which intensified after its termination. Females, on the other hand, indicated a stronger reliance on cariogenic, terrestrial resources during the MCA before turning to a diet more reliant on marine and lacustrine resources after the termination of the climatic anomaly. These changes in subsistence strategies were interpreted as cultural buffers to mitigateresources stress due to the MCA. The results of this study are in line with the resource stress model and indicate significant cultural adaptations due to stressful conditions resulting in little physiological disruption of the skeleton. Based on these results it can be concluded that among the Canyon Oaks population the MCA significantly affectedquality of life and instigated cultural change but had little effect on overall health.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Anthropology

Grantor dc:publisher

The Ohio State University

Year dc:date

2005

Author dc:creator

• Pilloud, Marin Anna

Contributors dc:contributor

• Larsen, Clark

• Archaeology

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1364223945

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:osu1364223945