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Dental microwear texture analysis of mandibular molars from Medieval Ireland and England
Author(s) -
Schmalz Naomi A.,
Finan Thomas J.,
Organ Jason M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.lb41
Subject(s) - molar , subsistence agriculture , saint , archaeology , dentistry , enamel paint , scale (ratio) , geography , medicine , history , cartography , art history , agriculture
Excavation of the Medieval ecclesiastical site at Kilteasheen (Co. Roscommon, Ireland) recovered the skeletal remains of 131 individuals, which demonstrate poor dental health and significant physiological stress at the site. Historical records suggest the site was a stronghold for the O'Conor Kings of Connacht from the mid‐7 th to 14 th centuries, but little is known about the subsistence patterns practiced by its residents. This study uses white light scanning confocal microscopy and scale‐sensitive fractal analysis to quantify the occlusal microwear fabric of 32 adult mandibular molars from Kilteasheen and 3 other Medieval sites in England and Ireland. Results indicate a smaller enamel surface scale of maximum complexity (smc) at Kilteasheen than at All Saint's church (York, England), which suggests that wear‐causing particles may have been smaller at Kilteasheen than at York. Historical records suggest similar diets among sites, but potentially different food preparation techniques: Mill usage at York may have left behind larger non‐food abrasives than at Kilteasheen, where no evidence of similar practices is available. Funded by Saint Louis University (President's Research Fund).