Abstract:

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.

Key words: pottery site, human bones, paleopathology