Abstract

Evidence of dental manipulation dates back several centuries and is identifiable through modification of human skeletal remains and the remnants of ancient tools. The act of caring for dental patients, on the other hand, is much more abstract and not as explicitly documented throughout history. Through the analysis of skeletal dentition of individuals from Pre-Hispanic Peru, this research aims to understand possible early forms of dental care practices. Specifically, by calculating the frequency of common dental pathology, I evaluated the possible presence of dental care in Túcume, Peru, during the Late Intermediate Period (1000 to 1500 AD) and what this could mean for those who once lived there. For this investigation, I used observations of the presence of antemortem tooth loss and caries to score the dentition of 57 skeletonized adult individuals. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed based on the scores to determine the frequency of pathology and the patterns associated with age, sex, and burial context variables. Research on dental paleopathology has been done before; however, it is rarely interpreted using the bioarchaeology of care model. This research could elicit conversation and further investigation into how past civilizations may have cared for individuals in the form of tooth ablation. Additionally, it could demonstrate how current dental care has changed over time and how care is still an important aspect of humanity.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Toyne, J. Marla

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-15-2023

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