A description of iron age skeletons from the Pilanesberg national park, South Africa

Abstract

Thirteen skeletons were excavated in the Pilanesberg National Park and represent a relatively large collection of Iron Age remains from a single location. The aim of this paper is to describe these remains by examining age at death, disease and trauma. Standard anthropological techniques were used and bone infections, dental caries, antemortem tooth loss, periapical abscesses, periodontal disease and enamel hypoplasia were macroscopically assessed. Six skeletons were male, three female, and four of unknown sex. Estimated age ranged from three juveniles (<14 years), five young adults (18 to 30 years), and five middle to older aged adults (+30 years). A case of osteomyelitis, one healed fracture, a humeral deformation, two cases of dental mutilation, and two people with bipartite patellae were observed. Dental diseases included dental caries, antemortem tooth loss, and enamel hypoplasia. Periapical abscesses were noted on three people and periodontal disease on two. Dental ailments were minimal and age-related diseases, such as antemortem tooth loss and periapical abscesses, were noted only in older individuals.