Remains of the Dead

Exploring a Human Anatomical Collection from Brazilian Amazon

Bibliographic Data

ID12371195
AuthorsFrancisca Alves‐cardoso (0000-0001-8386-2009, Universidade Federal do Pará, corresponding author), F Alves Cardoso (CRIA – Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas (FCSH) Universidade Nova de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal), Viviane Freire Lira (Universidade Nova de Lisboa), V Lira (CRIA – Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas (FCSH) Universidade Nova de Lisboa Lisboa Portugal)
Year2015
Volume26
Issue5
Pages787-798
Publication date2015-06-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1047-482X • E-ISSN: 1099-1212
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/oa.2480
OpenAlexW1945934467
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited48

Osteological lesions can be important to positively identify human remains in forensic contexts, as well as contribute to past population studies. However, their analysis requires training and appropriate research conditions, which may be lacking in certain geographic areas as, for example, the northern region of Brazil. Emphasising existing resources, such as anatomical collections, may help to address this issue. This study explores the anatomical collection of Professor Dr. Manuel da Silva Braga of the Federal University of Pará (Brazil), introducing the traumatic lesions identified in seven crania (13.7%; 7/51) of male (four) and female (three) individuals. The sample profile and the cases identified are in accordance with the pattern of violent victims in the region. This study is the first of its kind in the Pará State, contributing with case studies and examples, to the disciplines of biological anthropology, paleopathology, and bioarchaeology and forensic discipline. It also highlights the significance that anatomical collections may have in the development of those disciplines, suggesting a need for reappraisal and reevaluation of existing resources, as these may be of use for training and research. Lastly, this study builds a bridge towards the social and cultural context of the collection, reinforcing the value of an interdisciplinary approach to human remains. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Amazon rainforest · Archaeology · Bioarchaeology · Biological anthropology · Biology · Context (archaeology · Crania · Forensic anthropology · Geography · Indigenous · Osteology · Paleopathology · Population · Sociology · Anthropology · Demography · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Forensic Entomology and Diptera Studies · Paleopathology and ancient diseases · Ecology