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Masticatory and non‐masticatory dental modifications in the epipalaeolithic necropolis of Taforalt (Morocco)
Author(s) -
Bonfiglioli B.,
Mariotti V.,
Facchini F.,
Belcastro M. G.,
Condemi S.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
international journal of osteoarchaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1099-1212
pISSN - 1047-482X
DOI - 10.1002/oa.726
Subject(s) - masticatory force , orthodontics , dentistry , medicine , archaeology , geography
In this study, we used standardized methods to investigate masticatory and non‐masticatory dental alterations (chipping, notches, interproximal grooves) in teeth from the epipalaeolithic necropolis of Taforalt (Morocco, about 12,000–11,000 BP). The particular distribution of some of the alterations could be related to avulsion of the upper central incisors, a systematic ritual characterizing all adult individuals of the necropolis. Because of this practice, the functions of the anterior teeth (cutting and tearing portions of food while eating, holding objects, etc.) likely shifted to the posterior teeth. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.