A scapula deformity in two burials from medieval England

Bibliographic Data

ID12371486
AuthorsMay (0000-0002-0352-5625, English Heritage, corresponding author), S A Mays
Year2008
Volume19
Issue5
Pages642-651
Publication date2008-06-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1047-482X • E-ISSN: 1099-1212
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/oa.985
OpenAlexW2073500486
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited36

A scapula malformation is described in two burials from the site of the late medieval Dominican friary at Ipswich, UK. The changes appear most consistent with primary scapular neck dysplasia. One of the burials also showed clear signs of leprosy. The burials are of lay benefactors of the friary. The Ipswich Dominican friary had no known function as a leprosy hospital. Finding of burials of lepers other than in burial grounds of leprosaria is highly unusual for medieval England. Scapular neck dysplasia has a strong genetic component in its aetiology. This, coupled with its rarity, suggests a close genetic link between the two burials. The findings suggest that in this case, family ties with the friary overrode the normal medieval custom of interring lepers in leprosy hospitals. This illustrates that even rare skeletal variants may convey useful biocultural information about past populations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Archaeology · Biology · Deformity · Etiology · Geography · Leprosy · Paleopathology · Pathology · Postcrania · Scapula · Taxon · Medicine · Nerve Injury and Rehabilitation · Shoulder and Clavicle Injuries · Shoulder Injury and Treatment · Dermatology · Paleontology · Surgery

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