- Dpto. de Zoología y Antropología Física.
Facultad de Biología.
Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Ciudad Universitaria. 28040 Madrid (Spain) - 34 3945116
- Biological Anthropology, Human Evolution, Paleopathology, Cantabrian Mesolithic burials, Neanderthal cut marks, Neanderthal teeth, and 11 moreCantabrian Middle/Upper Pal. Transition, Neanderthals peri-mortem manipulations, Neanderthal variability, Neanderthal occipital, Neanderthal tooth, Neanderthal human remains, Cantabrian Mesolithic fossils, Tooth mutilation Canary islanders, Funerary Archaeology, Bioarchaeology, and Death and Burial (Archaeology)edit
- Educated at the Complutense University of Madrid. I have been Assistant and Professor of Physical Anthropology and Hu... moreEducated at the Complutense University of Madrid. I have been Assistant and Professor of Physical Anthropology and Human Evolution at the Faculty of Biological Scoences for more of 50 years. At present I am Emeritus Professor.edit
Cet article présente une synthèse des données chronologiques du site des Pradelles (Marillac-le-Franc, Charente, France). Le gisement se caractérise dans son locus est par un remplissage de près de quatre mètres d'épaisseur ayant livré... more
Cet article présente une synthèse des données chronologiques du site des Pradelles (Marillac-le-Franc, Charente, France). Le gisement se caractérise dans son locus est par un remplissage de près de quatre mètres d'épaisseur ayant livré des dépôts de la fin du Paléolithique moyen dans lesquels une industrie moustérienne de type Quina est associée à une faune abondante largement dominée par le renne. Durant les fouilles conduites par B. Maureille et A. Mann entre 2001 et 2013, les données chronologiques obtenues pour ce locus ont été peu nombreuses : une datation par thermoluminescence (TL) sur un silex chauffé et une autre par U-Th sur un spéléothème situé dans la partie inférieure de la séquence. Plusieurs datations par le radiocarbone ont été également réalisées sur des ossements provenant du sommet du remplissage, mais se sont révélées partiellement infructueuses en raison de l'ancienneté des vestiges. Ces données constituent des jalons importants permettant d'esquisser une chronologie préliminaire de cette séquence, sans toutefois donner une attribution chronologique précise aux vestiges découverts. Dans le cadre d'un projet pluridisciplinaire visant à établir des jalons chronologiques fiables pour l'évolution des cultures néandertaliennes du Sud-Ouest de la France, nous avons entrepris la datation des dépôts sédimentaires de la séquence
The transition from hunting and gathering to farming involved profound cultural and technological changes. In Western and Central Europe, these changes occurred rapidly and synchronously after the arrival of early farmers of Anatolian... more
The transition from hunting and gathering to farming involved profound cultural and technological changes. In Western and Central Europe, these changes occurred rapidly and synchronously after the arrival of early farmers of Anatolian origin [1–3], who largely replaced the local Mesolithic hunter- gatherers [1, 4–6]. Further east, in the Baltic region, the transition was gradual, with little or no genetic input from incoming farmers [7]. Here we use ancient DNA to investigate the relationship between hunter- gatherers and farmers in the Lower Danube basin, a geographically intermediate area that is character- ized by a rapid Neolithic transition but also by the presence of archaeological evidence that points to cultural exchange, and thus possible admixture, be- tween hunter-gatherers and farmers. We recovered four human paleogenomes (1.13 to 4.13 coverage) from Romania spanning a time transect between 8.8 thousand years ago (kya) and 5.4 kya and supple- mented them with two Mesolithic genomes (1.73 and 5.33) from Spain to provide further context on the genetic background of Mesolithic Europe. Our results show major Western hunter-gatherer (WHG)
ancestry in a Romanian Eneolithic sample with a minor, but sizeable, contribution from Anatolian farmers, suggesting multiple admixture events be- tween hunter-gatherers and farmers. Dietary stable- isotope analysis of this sample suggests a mixed terrestrial/aquatic diet. Our results provide support for complex interactions among hunter-gatherers and farmers in the Danube basin, demonstrating that in some regions, demic and cultural diffusion were not mutually exclusive, but merely the ends of a continuum for the process of Neolithization.
ancestry in a Romanian Eneolithic sample with a minor, but sizeable, contribution from Anatolian farmers, suggesting multiple admixture events be- tween hunter-gatherers and farmers. Dietary stable- isotope analysis of this sample suggests a mixed terrestrial/aquatic diet. Our results provide support for complex interactions among hunter-gatherers and farmers in the Danube basin, demonstrating that in some regions, demic and cultural diffusion were not mutually exclusive, but merely the ends of a continuum for the process of Neolithization.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
We present a bioanthropological study of dental remains recovered from El Salt Middle Palaeolithic site (Alcoy, Alicante, Spain). The dental remains were found in a sedimentary layer representing a calm depositional environment within a... more
We present a bioanthropological study of dental remains recovered from El Salt Middle Palaeolithic site
(Alcoy, Alicante, Spain). The dental remains were found in a sedimentary layer representing a calm
depositional environment within a freshwater spring system. The corresponding archaeological context
comprises a Middle Palaeolithic faunal and lithic assemblage that represents the last documented evidence
of human occupation at the site, dating to between 47.2 4.4 and 45.2 3.4 ka (thousands of
years ago). This evidence is overlain by an archaeologically sterile deposit dated to 44.7 3.2 ka. Results
show that the teeth belong to a single juvenile or young adult individual with morphological and metric
features falling within the Neanderthal range of variability, although the considered traits are not
taxonomically highly discriminant. The reported fossils are representative of the latest Middle Palaeolithic
groups in the region and may be considered in the ongoing debate on the disappearance of
Neanderthals and the end of the Middle Palaeolithic.
(Alcoy, Alicante, Spain). The dental remains were found in a sedimentary layer representing a calm
depositional environment within a freshwater spring system. The corresponding archaeological context
comprises a Middle Palaeolithic faunal and lithic assemblage that represents the last documented evidence
of human occupation at the site, dating to between 47.2 4.4 and 45.2 3.4 ka (thousands of
years ago). This evidence is overlain by an archaeologically sterile deposit dated to 44.7 3.2 ka. Results
show that the teeth belong to a single juvenile or young adult individual with morphological and metric
features falling within the Neanderthal range of variability, although the considered traits are not
taxonomically highly discriminant. The reported fossils are representative of the latest Middle Palaeolithic
groups in the region and may be considered in the ongoing debate on the disappearance of
Neanderthals and the end of the Middle Palaeolithic.
Research Interests:
The site of Marillac (Charente, France) has yielded an important stratigraphic sequence containing numerous Neandertal remains (some of them with peri-mortem manipulations) from lithofacies 2 (Quina Mousterian). This level has been... more
The site of Marillac (Charente, France) has yielded an important stratigraphic sequence containing numerous Neandertal remains (some of them with peri-mortem manipulations) from lithofacies 2 (Quina Mousterian). This level has been correlated with MIS 4 and is associated with a TL date of 57,600 4600 years BP (before present). The study of one of the cranial fragments (Marillac 3) revealed a grade 2 or Type B Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI), remodelling and altering the internal table of the thick frontal bone. This pathology has been analysed macroscopically together with radiography and sections made using a microscanner and a scanner. The development of the HFI is compared with published evidence for Sangiran 3 (Homo erectus), two other Neandertals (Forbes’ Quarry and Shanidar 5), and several archaeological samples. Forbes’ Quarry seems to display more advanced HFI than either Shanidar 5 or Marillac 3. The three Neandertals may be considered mature individuals (40 years) and it seems likely that the aetiology of this pathology may be associated with hormonal alterations, as has been suggested for past and extant populations. While the prevalence of HFI in contemporary post-menopausal women is well documented, the identification of HFI amongst males from several archaeological samples (Neanderthals, Ancient Egypt, Syrian Bronze Age or the Anasazi), with different stages of development, confirm that the pathology affected both sexes in past populations. Additional data and research are still needed to elucidate the etiopathogenesis of this illness and to better understand the relationship between environmental factors and their possible influences/consequences for the development of metabolic disorders in prehistoric populations.
Research Interests:
Abstract There is now a reasonable sample of human fossils from the European Middle and beginning Upper Pleistocene. However, our ability to fully understand their evolutionary relationships and the part they played in the ancestry of... more
Abstract There is now a reasonable sample of human fossils
from the European Middle and beginning Upper Pleistocene.
However, our ability to fully understand their evolutionary
relationships and the part they played in the ancestry of the
Neanderthals remains uncertain. Part of the reason for this is
the fragmentary nature of many of the finds, with fossils preserving
different anatomical features, making detailed anatomical
comparisons difficult or impossible. An equally
important obstacle to our knowledge of this part of human
biological history are the often difficult to interpret and conflicting
dates that have been obtained for many of these finds.
Nevertheless, a number of fossils, including the sizable sample
from the Sima de los Huesos, testify to the European
ancestry of the Neanderthals, although the possible presence
and gen-flow from groups of Asian or maybe African origins
cannot be excluded.
At present, our knowledge on the Neanderthals must
consider the huge geographic area where they have been
identified, the chronological span throughout more than
140 ky, and the very diverse environments to which they
adapted. The second part of this chapter is the summary of
the main points about the Neanderthal variability and
biodynamics.
from the European Middle and beginning Upper Pleistocene.
However, our ability to fully understand their evolutionary
relationships and the part they played in the ancestry of the
Neanderthals remains uncertain. Part of the reason for this is
the fragmentary nature of many of the finds, with fossils preserving
different anatomical features, making detailed anatomical
comparisons difficult or impossible. An equally
important obstacle to our knowledge of this part of human
biological history are the often difficult to interpret and conflicting
dates that have been obtained for many of these finds.
Nevertheless, a number of fossils, including the sizable sample
from the Sima de los Huesos, testify to the European
ancestry of the Neanderthals, although the possible presence
and gen-flow from groups of Asian or maybe African origins
cannot be excluded.
At present, our knowledge on the Neanderthals must
consider the huge geographic area where they have been
identified, the chronological span throughout more than
140 ky, and the very diverse environments to which they
adapted. The second part of this chapter is the summary of
the main points about the Neanderthal variability and
biodynamics.
Research Interests:
In 2001 and 2003, several occipital fragments of a single mature skull were unearthed on the site of les Pradelles (Marillac-le-Franc, Charente). The archaeological context of the deposit allowed us to provisionally assign the remains... more
In 2001 and 2003, several occipital fragments of a single mature skull were unearthed on the
site of les Pradelles (Marillac-le-Franc, Charente). The archaeological context of the deposit
allowed us to provisionally assign the remains to the Neandertal taxon. A morphometric
study of this piece was conducted in order to confirm its placement in this lineage. Some
features observed on this specimen and commonly described among Neandertals (e.g. the
presence of a suprainiac fossa) as well as dimensional data locate the les Pradelles occipital
within the morphological variability of Neandertals.
site of les Pradelles (Marillac-le-Franc, Charente). The archaeological context of the deposit
allowed us to provisionally assign the remains to the Neandertal taxon. A morphometric
study of this piece was conducted in order to confirm its placement in this lineage. Some
features observed on this specimen and commonly described among Neandertals (e.g. the
presence of a suprainiac fossa) as well as dimensional data locate the les Pradelles occipital
within the morphological variability of Neandertals.
Research Interests:
Le récolement des collections du Musée national de Préhistoire a permis, lors du travail sur la faune découverte au cours des fouilles de F. Bordes à Combe-Grenal, site de référence, l’identification d’un nouveau fossile humain,... more
Le récolement des collections du Musée national de Préhistoire a permis, lors du travail sur la faune découverte
au cours des fouilles de F. Bordes à Combe-Grenal, site de référence, l’identification d’un nouveau fossile humain,
Combe-Grenal 31. Il provient de la couche 60. En fonction des vestiges archéologiques et paléontologiques qu'elle livre,
et de comparaisons avec des niveaux aussi anciens de différents gisements, cette couche s’est probablement formée
lors du dernier tiers du stade isotopique 6.
Combe-Grenal 31 correspond à une incisive inférieure droite de la dentition déciduale d’un enfant d’environ 3 ans
± 12 mois. Sa couronne présente de grandes dimensions malgré une forte attrition de la face occlusale. La courbure
de la face vestibulaire, ainsi que le tubercule lingual sont bien marqués. Les crêtes marginales sont un peu saillantes.
Ses caractères morphologiques et leur comparaison avec d'autres fossiles européens ainsi que l’ellipse d’équiprobabilité
réalisée à partir des dimensions de la couronne nous permettent de souligner des similitudes avec les dents équivalentes
d’autres enfants néandertaliens des stades isotopiques 5, 4 ou 3 et deux spécimens européens rapportés au
stade 6.
au cours des fouilles de F. Bordes à Combe-Grenal, site de référence, l’identification d’un nouveau fossile humain,
Combe-Grenal 31. Il provient de la couche 60. En fonction des vestiges archéologiques et paléontologiques qu'elle livre,
et de comparaisons avec des niveaux aussi anciens de différents gisements, cette couche s’est probablement formée
lors du dernier tiers du stade isotopique 6.
Combe-Grenal 31 correspond à une incisive inférieure droite de la dentition déciduale d’un enfant d’environ 3 ans
± 12 mois. Sa couronne présente de grandes dimensions malgré une forte attrition de la face occlusale. La courbure
de la face vestibulaire, ainsi que le tubercule lingual sont bien marqués. Les crêtes marginales sont un peu saillantes.
Ses caractères morphologiques et leur comparaison avec d'autres fossiles européens ainsi que l’ellipse d’équiprobabilité
réalisée à partir des dimensions de la couronne nous permettent de souligner des similitudes avec les dents équivalentes
d’autres enfants néandertaliens des stades isotopiques 5, 4 ou 3 et deux spécimens européens rapportés au
stade 6.
Research Interests:
The Boccard cave is located in the Créancey municipality of the Côte-d’Or. A clear stratigraphy has been defi ned with a Mousterian layer in which three human permanent teeth were discovered: a lateral upper left incisor, an upper... more
The Boccard cave is located in the Créancey municipality of the Côte-d’Or. A clear stratigraphy has been defi ned
with a Mousterian layer in which three human permanent teeth were discovered: a lateral upper left incisor, an upper
second right premolar and a lower second right molar. The metrical and morphological, descriptive and comparative
studies of these remains enable us to integrate them within the variability of Neanderthal teeth and to exclude them from
the variability of recent Homo sapiens sapiens. The Boccard cave teeth have no evidence of pathology, their dimensions
are average and they present no special characteristics, except perhaps the lower molar, which may present a voluminous
calcification of its pulp.
with a Mousterian layer in which three human permanent teeth were discovered: a lateral upper left incisor, an upper
second right premolar and a lower second right molar. The metrical and morphological, descriptive and comparative
studies of these remains enable us to integrate them within the variability of Neanderthal teeth and to exclude them from
the variability of recent Homo sapiens sapiens. The Boccard cave teeth have no evidence of pathology, their dimensions
are average and they present no special characteristics, except perhaps the lower molar, which may present a voluminous
calcification of its pulp.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT: This paper deals with the analysis of several human remains found in two French Middle Paleolithic sites with Mousterian culture and assigned to Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. Chronostratigraphic data for both of them document... more
ABSTRACT: This paper deals with the analysis of several human remains found in two French Middle Paleolithic sites
with Mousterian culture and assigned to Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. Chronostratigraphic data for both of them
document very cold climatic conditions corresponding to OIS 4.
One of these sites is Combe-Grenal Cave, where F. Bordes found several human remains in Mousterian level 25 (around
75/65 ky). The considered fossils are the fragment of a child's mandible, an incomplete juvenile mandible and a humeral
fragment from an adult. Numerous intentional cutmarks on the second mandible and on the humerus are described, while
scratches found on the first mandible are interpreted as toothmarks produced by small carnivores.
The second site is Marillac ("Les Pradelles"), where B. Vandermeersch discovered several human remains (levels 9 and
10), one of which, the posterior part of an adult neurocranium, also has several cutmarks.
At both sites the fossils were found on living floors, randomly mixed with abundant faunal remains and tools. Macro
and microscopic examination, including observation at the SEM, permitted clear identification of traces of flint tools
used during the manipulation of the cadavers, peri- or post-mortem. The possible interpretations of these striations are
discussed.
with Mousterian culture and assigned to Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. Chronostratigraphic data for both of them
document very cold climatic conditions corresponding to OIS 4.
One of these sites is Combe-Grenal Cave, where F. Bordes found several human remains in Mousterian level 25 (around
75/65 ky). The considered fossils are the fragment of a child's mandible, an incomplete juvenile mandible and a humeral
fragment from an adult. Numerous intentional cutmarks on the second mandible and on the humerus are described, while
scratches found on the first mandible are interpreted as toothmarks produced by small carnivores.
The second site is Marillac ("Les Pradelles"), where B. Vandermeersch discovered several human remains (levels 9 and
10), one of which, the posterior part of an adult neurocranium, also has several cutmarks.
At both sites the fossils were found on living floors, randomly mixed with abundant faunal remains and tools. Macro
and microscopic examination, including observation at the SEM, permitted clear identification of traces of flint tools
used during the manipulation of the cadavers, peri- or post-mortem. The possible interpretations of these striations are
discussed.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Neanderthals from Combe-Grenal cave (Domme, France). In this study, we report on the analysis of the human remains found by D. and E. Peyrony and F. Bordes during their archaeological excavations in Combe-Grenal Cave (Domme,... more
The Neanderthals from Combe-Grenal cave (Domme, France). In this study, we report on the analysis of the human
remains found by D. and E. Peyrony and F. Bordes during their archaeological excavations in Combe-Grenal Cave (Domme,
Dordogne, SW France), a well-known and crucial site with a complex stratigraphy extending from the Acheulian to the final
Mousterian. The anthropological materials were found in several Mousterian levels, some assigned to the isotopic stage 5a but
most to stage 4 ; their chronological position is around 70 ky, at the beginning of the early Wurm. Chronoestratigraphic data docu
ment climatic changes toward colder conditions, first humid and later increasingly drier, as well as a progression of the open arc
tic milieu fauna.
One P3 was found in level 39 and one frontal fragment in level 35, but the main part of the collection, comprising 27 fragments
was found in level 25. The sample from level 25 is composed of at least eight individuals : two children, two or three juvenile and
several adults of different ages. The human remains were fragmentary and randomly mixed with abundant faunal remains and
stone tools, all of which were found dispersed on the living floors. There was no trace of deliberate burial.
Detailed morphological and anatomical analyses of the cranial and mandibular fragments, isolated teeth and post-cranial remains
have led to their assignation to Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. Several hypoplasic lesions, accentuated attrition, cracking
enamel, teeth rotation, periodontal disease, and osteoarthritis have been identified on different individuals, as well as post mor
tem cut marks (defleshement for cannibalism ? ) on one juvenile mandible and one adult humerus.
Key words : Combe-Grenal Cave, Mousterian, Early Wurm, Neanderthal, Morphology, Metrics, Pathology, Cut
remains found by D. and E. Peyrony and F. Bordes during their archaeological excavations in Combe-Grenal Cave (Domme,
Dordogne, SW France), a well-known and crucial site with a complex stratigraphy extending from the Acheulian to the final
Mousterian. The anthropological materials were found in several Mousterian levels, some assigned to the isotopic stage 5a but
most to stage 4 ; their chronological position is around 70 ky, at the beginning of the early Wurm. Chronoestratigraphic data docu
ment climatic changes toward colder conditions, first humid and later increasingly drier, as well as a progression of the open arc
tic milieu fauna.
One P3 was found in level 39 and one frontal fragment in level 35, but the main part of the collection, comprising 27 fragments
was found in level 25. The sample from level 25 is composed of at least eight individuals : two children, two or three juvenile and
several adults of different ages. The human remains were fragmentary and randomly mixed with abundant faunal remains and
stone tools, all of which were found dispersed on the living floors. There was no trace of deliberate burial.
Detailed morphological and anatomical analyses of the cranial and mandibular fragments, isolated teeth and post-cranial remains
have led to their assignation to Homo sapiens neanderthalensis. Several hypoplasic lesions, accentuated attrition, cracking
enamel, teeth rotation, periodontal disease, and osteoarthritis have been identified on different individuals, as well as post mor
tem cut marks (defleshement for cannibalism ? ) on one juvenile mandible and one adult humerus.
Key words : Combe-Grenal Cave, Mousterian, Early Wurm, Neanderthal, Morphology, Metrics, Pathology, Cut
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Little is known about human prehistory in the central African lowland tropical forest due to a paucity of archaeological evidence. Here we report results from our archaeological investigations of a late Holocene site in the northeast... more
Little is known about human prehistory
in the central African lowland tropical forest due to a
paucity of archaeological evidence. Here we report results
from our archaeological investigations of a late Holocene
site in the northeast Congo Basin, with emphasis on a
single skeleton from the rock shelter site of Matangai
Turu Northwest, in the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic
of Congo. The skeleton dates from ;810 BP (1235 calibrated
AD) and is associated with Later Stone Age lithics,
animal bone and shell remains from wild taxa, fruit endocarps
from forest trees, phytoliths from tropical forest
plants, Late Iron Age ceramics, and a single iron artifact.
Phytolith analysis indicates that the habitat was dense
tropical forest, without evidence of domesticated food. Am
J Phys Anthropol 115:24–37, 2001.
in the central African lowland tropical forest due to a
paucity of archaeological evidence. Here we report results
from our archaeological investigations of a late Holocene
site in the northeast Congo Basin, with emphasis on a
single skeleton from the rock shelter site of Matangai
Turu Northwest, in the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic
of Congo. The skeleton dates from ;810 BP (1235 calibrated
AD) and is associated with Later Stone Age lithics,
animal bone and shell remains from wild taxa, fruit endocarps
from forest trees, phytoliths from tropical forest
plants, Late Iron Age ceramics, and a single iron artifact.
Phytolith analysis indicates that the habitat was dense
tropical forest, without evidence of domesticated food. Am
J Phys Anthropol 115:24–37, 2001.
Research Interests:
La grotte Vaufrey (Dordogne) a été l’objet de fouilles archéologiques à partir de 1968. Ces fouilles ont révélé une stratigraphie complexe allant de l’Acheuléen au Moustérien. La couche I, scellée par le plancher stalagmitique A,... more
La grotte Vaufrey (Dordogne) a été l’objet de fouilles archéologiques à partir de 1968. Ces fouilles ont révélé une
stratigraphie complexe allant de l’Acheuléen au Moustérien. La couche I, scellée par le plancher stalagmitique A, contenait
une industrie lithique moustérienne de type Quina, dans des sédiments indiquant un climat très froid et très sec, et
renfermant des restes de cerf et de renne parmi la faune. Cette couche I, pour laquelle une datation par U/Th de 74 ± 18Ka
(stade isotopique 4) a été obtenue, a fourni une dent humaine inventoriée Vaufrey 1.
Le fossile est une molaire inférieure gauche, attribuable à un adulte. Ses dimensions et ses indices sont grands, les
racines montrent une hypercémentose accusée et la chambre pulpaire est de grandeur moyenne. Son rang a été difficile à
déterminer mais, sur la base de l’analyse morphologique détaillée et d’une étude comparative, nous l’avons identifiée
comme une M2. L’usure, en particulier l’usure interproximale du côté mésial, est très accentuée. Cette particularité de
Vaufrey 1 a été comparée à celle de Krapina J, qui montre une attrition différentielle similaire sur la M2 gauche. Plusieurs
méthodes statistiques ont été appliquées pour comparer les diamètres et les indices de Vaufrey 1 avec quelques échantillons
de populations modernes ainsi qu’avec une importante série de Néandertaliens. Les analyses démontrent que Vaufrey 1 se
distingue de la variabilité actuelle et rentre pleinement dans celle des Néandertaliens anciens avec des dents longues et
larges.
stratigraphie complexe allant de l’Acheuléen au Moustérien. La couche I, scellée par le plancher stalagmitique A, contenait
une industrie lithique moustérienne de type Quina, dans des sédiments indiquant un climat très froid et très sec, et
renfermant des restes de cerf et de renne parmi la faune. Cette couche I, pour laquelle une datation par U/Th de 74 ± 18Ka
(stade isotopique 4) a été obtenue, a fourni une dent humaine inventoriée Vaufrey 1.
Le fossile est une molaire inférieure gauche, attribuable à un adulte. Ses dimensions et ses indices sont grands, les
racines montrent une hypercémentose accusée et la chambre pulpaire est de grandeur moyenne. Son rang a été difficile à
déterminer mais, sur la base de l’analyse morphologique détaillée et d’une étude comparative, nous l’avons identifiée
comme une M2. L’usure, en particulier l’usure interproximale du côté mésial, est très accentuée. Cette particularité de
Vaufrey 1 a été comparée à celle de Krapina J, qui montre une attrition différentielle similaire sur la M2 gauche. Plusieurs
méthodes statistiques ont été appliquées pour comparer les diamètres et les indices de Vaufrey 1 avec quelques échantillons
de populations modernes ainsi qu’avec une importante série de Néandertaliens. Les analyses démontrent que Vaufrey 1 se
distingue de la variabilité actuelle et rentre pleinement dans celle des Néandertaliens anciens avec des dents longues et
larges.
Research Interests:
Background and purpose: A femoral diaphysis of an adult Neandertal was discovered in 2010 at the site of Les Pradelles (Marillac-le-Franc, Charente, France) with occupation levels from MIS 4. We describe the Les Pradelles (LP) femoral... more
Background and purpose: A femoral diaphysis of an adult Neandertal
was discovered in 2010 at the site of Les Pradelles (Marillac-le-Franc,
Charente, France) with occupation levels from MIS 4. We describe the Les
Pradelles (LP) femoral diaphysis and discuss its morphometric characteristics
in relation to Late Pleistocene diversity.
Materials and methods: The comparative sample for the LP femur
consists of Neandertals, Middle Paleolithic modern humans and European
Upper Palaeolithic modern humans. Classical measurements (diameters)
and cross-sectional geometric properties were studied at mid-diaphysis. The
pattern of thickness variations was also analyzed.
Results: Morphological aspects of this diaphysis clearly relate it to those
of the Neandertals (anterior curvature, lack of pilaster, medial buttress).
Exostoses near and on the linea aspera may be the consequence of a pathological
bone reaction, with unknown cause. Cross-sectional geometric properties
place the LP femur within the range of Neandertal variation. It
presents, among other features, a greater amount of cortical bone in comparison
tomodern human variability. The 3Dmodeling highlights a medial
side with an important cortical thickness corresponding to the medial
buttress.
Conclusions: The LP femur provides additional data to our knowledge
of MIS4 Neandertal variability, less well documented than those assigned to
MIS5 and MIS3.
was discovered in 2010 at the site of Les Pradelles (Marillac-le-Franc,
Charente, France) with occupation levels from MIS 4. We describe the Les
Pradelles (LP) femoral diaphysis and discuss its morphometric characteristics
in relation to Late Pleistocene diversity.
Materials and methods: The comparative sample for the LP femur
consists of Neandertals, Middle Paleolithic modern humans and European
Upper Palaeolithic modern humans. Classical measurements (diameters)
and cross-sectional geometric properties were studied at mid-diaphysis. The
pattern of thickness variations was also analyzed.
Results: Morphological aspects of this diaphysis clearly relate it to those
of the Neandertals (anterior curvature, lack of pilaster, medial buttress).
Exostoses near and on the linea aspera may be the consequence of a pathological
bone reaction, with unknown cause. Cross-sectional geometric properties
place the LP femur within the range of Neandertal variation. It
presents, among other features, a greater amount of cortical bone in comparison
tomodern human variability. The 3Dmodeling highlights a medial
side with an important cortical thickness corresponding to the medial
buttress.
Conclusions: The LP femur provides additional data to our knowledge
of MIS4 Neandertal variability, less well documented than those assigned to
MIS5 and MIS3.