Using a multimethod life history approach to navigate the osteological paradox: A case study from Prehispanic Nasca, Peru

• Published in: American journal of physical anthropology 2021-08, Vol.175 (4), p.816-833
• Main Authors: McCool, Weston C., Anderson, Amy S., Kennett, Douglas J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bias; bioarchaeology; Bones; Burials; Death & dying; Diachronic analysis; Diet; Females; Fertility; Frailty; Gender differences; Health hazards; Health risks; Heterogeneity; isotope chemistry; Lesions; Life course; Life expectancy; Life history; Morbidity; Mortality; Mortality patterns; osteological paradox; Osteology; paleopathology; Resilience; Sex differences; Stable isotopes; Survivor
• ISSN: 0002-9483; 1096-8644; 2692-7691
• DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24279

Objectives We leverage recent bioarchaeological approaches and life history theory to address the implications of the osteological paradox in a study population. The goal of this article is to evaluate morbidity and mortality patterns as well as variability in the risk of disease and death during the Late Intermediate period (LIP; 950–1450 C.E.) in the Nasca highlands of Peru. We demonstrate how the concurrent use of multiple analytical techniques and life history theory can engage the osteological paradox and provide salient insights into the study of stress, frailty, and resilience in past populations. Materials and methods Crania from LIP burial contexts in the Nasca highlands were examined for cribra orbitalia (n = 325) and porotic hyperostosis (n = 270). All age groups and both sexes are represented in the sample. Survivor/nonsurvivor analysis assessed demographic differences in lesion frequency and severity. Hazard models were generated to assess differences in survivorship. The relationship between dietary diversity and heterogeneity in morbidity was assessed using stable δ15N and δ13C isotope values for bone collagen and carbonate. One hundred and twenty‐four crania were directly AMS radiocarbon dated, allowing for a diachronic analysis of morbidity and mortality. Results The frequency and expression of both orbital and vault lesions increases significantly during the LIP. Survivor/nonsurvivor analysis indicates cranial lesions co‐vary with frailty rather than robusticity or longevity. Hazard models show (1) decreasing survivorship with the transition into the LIP, (2) significantly lower adult life expectancy for females compared to males, and (3) individuals with cranial lesions have lower survivorship across the life course. Stable isotope results show very little dietary diversity. Mortality risk and frequency of pathological skeletal lesions were highest during Phase III (1300–1450 C.E.) of the LIP. Conclusion Results provide compelling evidence of increasing physiological stress and mortality in the Nasca highlands during the LIP, but also reveal substantial heterogeneity in frailty and the risk of death. Certain members of society experienced a heavier disease burden and higher mortality compared to their contemporaries. Elevated levels of disease and lethal trauma among females account for some of the sex differences in survivorship but cannot explain the large degree of female‐biased mortality. We hypothesize that parental investment in ma