Reassessing trauma in a Late Neolithic cranium from Megalitho da Capella (Figueira da Foz, Portugal)

Anthropol Anz. 2024 Jun 3;81(3):341-349. doi: 10.1127/anthranz/2024/1771.

Abstract

The Megalitho da Capella (Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, Portugal) is one of at least 21 dolmens in a megalithic complex explored by António dos Santos Rocha between 1880 and 1909. Among the human remains from Megalitho da Capella is an incomplete and fragmented cranium. Santos Rocha interpreted a groove on the parietal bone as an incision of traumatic origin with signs of remodeling that was suggestive of prolonged survival after an intentional intervention. This study provides a new examination of the groove using microcomputed tomographic (microCT) imaging, microscopy, and macroscopic observations of the groove in addition to the direct dating the skeletal remains. Results indicate that the human remains are dated to the Late Neolithic and that the "incision" is a normal anatomical variant corresponding to impressions from vascular tissue and temporal projections of the squamosal. We conclude that studies of bone surface modifications should consider normal anatomical variants (e.g., sulci, grooves, and furrows) when reporting results. Paleoimaging, microscopy, and comparative observations can assist in the identification bone modifications versus anatomical variants.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Anthropology, Physical*
  • Fossils / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Portugal
  • Skull* / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull* / injuries
  • Skull* / pathology
  • X-Ray Microtomography*