本文针对陕西省西安市西咸新区丰京西周大原村制陶遗址出土的 30 例保存相对完整的人骨，运用裸眼与 Dino-Lite 显微镜观察相结合的方式，记录其古病理指征。结果表明，该遗址多数个体存在筛状眶，部分伴有颅外多孔现象，暗示该人群营养状况不良且生活环境恶劣；较高的肋骨骨膜炎和上颌窦炎患病率可能源于环境污染所致的呼吸系统感染。该人群跖骨跪踞面出现率较高，跖趾关节使用频繁。骨关节炎多发于脊柱关节、踝关节、肩关节和髋关节，体现出遗址居民关节劳动负荷较大。掌骨异常弯曲，指骨和肢骨上可见肌肉骨骼应力标志(MSM)的骨性证据，此类特殊骨性改变显示这些个体曾从事关节运动重复率高且需大量运用手部肌肉组织的工作。这些疾病特征与制陶职业紧密相关。

This paper undertakes Physical Anthropological research on the excellently preserved skeletal remains of 30 cases unearthed from the pottery site of the Western Zhou Dynasty in Dayuan Village, Xixian New Area, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province. Through a combination of naked-eye observation and Dino-Lite microscopy, the paleopathological manifestations are meticulously recorded. The pottery site in Dayuan Village represents a significant archaeological discovery in the Xi’an region, predominantly yielding sand-tempered brown pottery “split crotch” li tripods. The products fabricated at this site are relatively homogeneous and display a high degree of specialization.

The pathological findings disclose that cribra orbitalia was prevalent among the majority of the ancient inhabitants, with some cases accompanied by porotic hyperostosis. This suggests that the local population might have endured iron-deficiency anemia, suffered from malnutrition, and resided in a poor living environment. A high incidence of rib periostitis and maxillary sinusitis was observed among the ancient site residents, potentially attributable to respiratory ailments induced by environmental pollution. The ancient inhabitants of this pottery site exhibited a remarkable frequency of metatarsal-phalangeal joint osteoarthritis, signifying the frequent utilization of metatarsophalangeal joints. Osteoarthritis, being the most common joint disorder, predominantly affected the spine joints, ankle joints, shoulder joints, and hip joints, reflecting a substantial labor burden. The metacarpals of the ancient residents were anomalously curved, and skeletal evidence of Musculoskeletal Stress Markers was detected on the phalanges and limb bones. These distinctive bony alterations imply that these individuals were involved in repetitive joint motions and occupations that placed significant demands on hand musculature.

Based on the paleopathology of the population at the site, the following deductions are made. In light of the pathological signs of the ancient residents in the pottery site in Dayuan Village, a high prevalence of cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, rib periostitis, and maxillary sinusitis was noted within the site population. The prevalence of osteoarthritis and the occurrence rate of metatarsal-phalangeal joint osteoarthritis were also considerable. It is hypothesized that these pathological changes might be associated with the joint stress resulting from long-term strenuous labor and the adverse environment of the pottery site. Considering the overall circumstances, these disease characteristics are intimately linked to the occupation of pottery making. The ancient residents who once resided in Dayuan Village were presumably pottery artisans and engaged in handicrafts over an extended period.