Evolution of two human skeletal markers of the squatting position: a diachronic study from antiquity to the modern age

American Journal of Physical Anthropology
E L Boulle

Abstract

Some human skeletal features that were produced through the actions of their bearers during life allow the reconstruction of postures. These can be typical of population groups. For example, tibial retroversion and lateral squatting facets are two skeletal markers closely related to the habit of squatting. The facets and the retroversion are induced by pressure and traction as a consequence of the hyperdorsiflexion of the knees and ankles. The examination of 543 tibiae and tali from French and American archaeological series, and dating between the 1st-20th century AD, reveals changes in squatting posture over time. This study shows that tibial retroversion tends to be a "precocity indicator" of the adoption of this posture, while the lateral squatting facet shows the intensity or regularity of the use of this posture. The results indicate that squatting was a regular behavior used until the end of the Middle Ages, and after this period a progressive decrease occurs. This tendency may be explained by different lifestyles in different time periods.

References

Nov 1, 1979·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·D H Ubelaker

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

May 26, 2017·American Journal of Physical Anthropology·Zewdi J TsegaiTracy L Kivell

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.