Cranioplasty in ancient Peru: a critical review of the evidence,and a unique case from the Cuzco area

Cranioplasty is a well‐known procedure in modern neurosurgery. Although some authors have claimed it was also performed by prehistoric trepanners in various parts of the world, there is little hard evidence to support this. Here we review various claims of cranioplasty in Peru, where trepanation was widely practised in Prehispanic times. We find little support for assertions that cranioplasty was common. One recently discovered burial from the Cuzco region, however, provides the first documented case of the reinsertion of a bone plug into a trepanation opening. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Palaeopathology in Britain: a critical analysis of publications with the aim of exploring recent trends (1997–2006)

This study collects data from three major journals and analyses them in order to assess the recent (1997–2006) nature of the study of palaeopathology within Britain. It considers the types of study published (case, population or method), whether findings are integrated with other data, the particular ‘theme’ that is considered (diet, activity patterns, etc) and the particular pathological condition focused upon (metabolic, dental, etc). The findings show there is a move away from the traditional case study and an increase in the acknowledgement of the value of integrating data with wider information. There is also a bias towards certain ‘themes’ and pathologies, reasons for which are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A supernumerary permanent mandibular premolar of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) from the early medieval Novgorod,Russia

The aim of this study was to investigate a unique case of polydonty in wild boar from the early medieval Novgorod (second half of 11th century AD). The only preserved distal part of the right mandibular branch shows a rotated transitional permanent extra premolar between P₃ and P₄. This abnormality has the potential to serve as a territorially‐based indicator of past wild boar populations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CERAMICS FROM THE CHRONOLOGICALLY TRANSITIONAL (LATE BRONZE – EARLY IRON AGE) SITE OF LINYOVO-1, SOUTHERN SIBERIA: METHODOLOGICAL PROSPECTS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS

Linyovo-1, a Late Bronze – Early Iron Age site in southwestern Siberia, is highly important for the study of ceramic production as it offers a rare opportunity for directly examining the clay and paste of which the vessels were made. Technological analysis has allowed us to trace the changes produced by fi ring. For the fi rst time, results of petrographic, X-ray phase, and thermal analysis of vessels are being published. An algorithm of derivatographic measurements and the techniques of data processing and interpretation are outlined in some detail. Prospects for science-based methods of studying pottery are discussed. As an alternative to the traditional approach for assessing fi ring temperature on the basis of thermal analysis, we suggest using a comparative analysis of the preservation of clay components in the ceramic paste to evaluate the quality of fi ring. This approach can be used with regard to vessels from a single site as well as those from different sites and even with regard to various parts of a single vessel.     

THE OPEN LETTERS OF SERGEI BORISOV: FROM THE HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE ALTAI

The present study focuses on the biography and artistic heritage of S.I. Borisov, one of Barnaul's most successful photographers of the early 20th century. Borisov's archive is kept at the Altai State Museum of Local Studies and includes materials from his photographical expeditions to the Altai in 1907–1914. The analysis of the photographs given here creates an image of this multiethnic region as it was at that time in all its diversity of culture and tradition.     

MODELS OF MAN'S BIOSOCIAL ADAPTATION IN AN INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY*

The morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptation of professional athletes can be viewed as a model, being close to the successful hunter's adaptation in a foraging society. Physique, endocrine status, and personality traits were studied in athletes of various professional levels. A set of traits believed to be adaptive for this group is described. Athletes display masculine proportions of head and body, higher testosterone levels, early onset of sexual activity, extroversion, and thoroughness. These fi ndings are discussed from the standpoint of modern ethology and evolutionary anthropology.