A comparative analysis of human skeletal remains from Parowan Fremont, Virgin Anasazi, and Kayenta Anasazi archaeological sites

Human skeletal remains from the prehistoric Parowan Fremont, Virgin Anasazi, and Kayenta Anasazi cultural traditions are examined, to quantify differences in skeletal parameters and burial practices. Statistical comparisons show no significant differences in skeletal metric traits among the 125 individuals studied; While most individuals examined were healthy, the prevalence of periostitis, osteitis, and linear enamel hypoplasia was found to be highest among Virgin Anasazi individuals. Two other pathologies, porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia, were most common among the Kayenta sample and least among the Parowan Fremont sample; From literature review and new data, much variability was found in mortuary practices. Unique practices were recognized such as red skeletal pigmentation (Parowan Fremont), roofed graves (Kayenta Anasazi), and the inclusion of shell ornaments (Virgin Anasazi). There is no evidence that burial practices of the Coombs Site Kayenta people were more like the Virgin Anasazi than the Parowan Fremont.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Anthropology

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

1992

Author dc:creator

• Roberts, Heidi

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sheilagh Brooks

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/184

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-1183