http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
an osteobiological analysis of the skeletal remains from the 1982-1985 field excavations
xii, 211 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm.
The skeletal remains of 51 individuals from the Old Socorro Mission (OSM) were analyzed to provide both a demographic profile and an assessment of their health. According to Spanish documents, the mission, which was in use from 1684 to 1829, served the Spanish families and Piro Indians who were living at the settlement. Of the 51 burials recovered, 23 of the adults were identifiable as to sex: 15 males and 8 females. All age categories were represented: one fetal, 15 infants, five in early childhood, three in late childhood, one adolescent/adult, 19 adults, and seven old adults. Physical characteristics, such as stature and robusticity were also determined. Stature estimates of the OSM sample did not differ significantly from other Indian groups from the region. Visual observation of the OSM sample indicated that the population appeared to be sexually robust. The males and females displayed a pronounced degree of skeletal dimorphism both in stature and other discrete traits. Examination of the dentition revealed numerous pathological conditions. The OSM population displayed a high frequency of cariogenic activity, enamel hypoplasia, abscessing, antemortem tooth loss, alveolar resorption, and periodontal infection. Dental anomalies, shoveling and enamel wrinkling, were also present. The OSM sample revealed numerous skeletal pathological conditions. Degenerative joint disease, infectious disease, neoplasias, traumatic injuries, and skeletal dysplasias were evident in both sexes. Anomalous features were also identified, such as developmental and cultural modifications. The high frequency of developmental variations is suggestive of a small breeding population with restricted gene flow. The lack of skeletal lesions with dietary imbalances suggests that the OSM people were well nourished. However, the high incidence of degenerative joint disease suggests that the Piro Indians. suffered a great amount of physical stress.