Browsing by Author "Kirchner, Helena"

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    Estudio antropológico de las alquerías de Benizahat y Zeneta (Vall d´Uixó, Castellón). Una ventana a la vida rural andalusí
    (Universitat de Valencia, 2021-12-31) Olivé-Busom, Júlia; López-Costas, Olalla; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Kirchner, Helena
    During the Andalusi period, modern day Vall d'Uixó (Castellón, Spain) was formed by a series of hamlets that were inhabited by Islamic population until the 16th century. Through the anthropological analysis of 99 skeletons from two of these hamlets, Benizahat and Zeneta, this study explores the possible existence of differences in the lifestyle of males and females and occupational stress related to the rural economy of this population. In addition, their living conditions and stress levels during growth are assessed through the confrontation with other peninsular Islamic populations. Although the studied sample is not clearly distinguishable from other Andalusian populations in terms of physiological and occupational stress, the significant differences in the distribution of Schmörl’s nodes between males and females and the high frequencies of dental caries in the population should be highlighted.
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    Evidence of otitis media and mastoiditis in a Medieval Islamic skeleton from Spain and possible implications for ancient surgical treatment of the condition
    (Elsevier, 2020-11-21) Olivé-Busom, Júlia; López-Costas, Olalla; Quer-Agustí, Miquel; Márquez-Grant, Nicholas; Kirchner, Helena
    Objective To evaluate lesions on a cranium from the Iberian Peninsula and assess its medico-historical and paleopathological significance. Materials The skeletal remains of a juvenile individual found in a Medieval Islamic grave (10th -16th century) in Eastern Spain. Methods Macroscopic examination of the left and right temporal bones, binocular microscopy, X-ray, and Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were performed. Results A sub-oval perforation superior to the right mastoid process and pathological changes on the right temporal bone were identified. SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of copper in the surrounding area of the perforation. Conclusions The observed pathological changes are most likely compatible with otitis media and subsequent mastoiditis. The sub-oval perforation could be interpreted either as an abscess or as evidence of a surgical procedure (mastoidectomy) or a combination of both; and the Cu traces may be the result of an associated object or, possibly, the application of a plaster with copper acetate used as medical treatment. Significance This case contributes to the paleopathological record and the interpretation of similar cases, and also helps in the understanding of medical care and treatment in Medieval Islam. Limitations The lack of similar pre-modern cases of surgical intervention limits comparability to clinical cases. Suggestion for further research: Exploration into indicators of health care in past populations