Conference Presentations by Samantha Tipper
23RD PALEOPATHOLOGY ASSOCIATION EUROPEAN : VILNIUS, LITHUANIA, 2022
Excavations at Beaumont Fee in the centre of Lincoln, England in 2020 uncovered 23 inhumations da... more Excavations at Beaumont Fee in the centre of Lincoln, England in 2020 uncovered 23 inhumations dating to the Medieval Period (11th to 13th Centuries). One of the burials was that of an old aged adult female. Nothing stood out about the positioning of the burial, so no information on burial status could be determined. However, she was positioned supine with hands by her sides and had good preservation with minimal fragmentation. Abnormal changes to the thoracic cavity were observed with a anterior curvature of the sternum and abnormal angulation of the ribs suggesting an anterior displacement of the chest, possibly caused by ‘Pectus Carinatum’. This paper will explore this diagnosis by looking at other possible differential diagnosis. It will hopefully provide an insight into the impact this type of pathology would have had on an individuals health and well being during the Medieval period in Britain.
23RD PALEOPATHOLOGY ASSOCIATION EUROPEAN MEETING, 2022
The study of spinal pathology can provide useful information on the health, wellbeing, environmen... more The study of spinal pathology can provide useful information on the health, wellbeing, environmental and occupational stresses of past populations. During a project analysing and recording spinal pathology and trauma in over 515 individuals from Sudan, the lack of comparable data became apparent, and this was in part due to the lack of studies on spinal pathology in Nubian populations, but also a result of the lack of standardisation in the collection, analysis and presentation of data. This poster discusses this issue and presents the importance of collecting and presenting data both by individuals (crude prevalence rate) and by element (true prevalence rate) as well as including the actual number of individuals/elements affected compared to the number of individual/elements available for analysis. Therefore, providing a standard that should be adhered to in future projects on spinal pathology (as well as other bioarchaeology analysis) to ensure data can be used for comparative studies. This in turn will build on our knowledge and help provide a clearer picture of the health and daily life of the populations being studied.
Spondylolysis is a fracture of the pars interarticularis of the neural arch of the vertebra, usua... more Spondylolysis is a fracture of the pars interarticularis of the neural arch of the vertebra, usually of L5. The literature suggests predisposing factors such as; inherited weakness, stress and strain may result in spondylolysis. A study of spondylolysis, has not yet been achieved for past Sudanese populations, even though it can potentially tell us much about the health, welfare, and occupational and environmental stresses. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of spondylolysis across ancient Nubia, throughout the Meroitic to Christian periods. A total of five hundred and nineteen skeletal remains from Nubia have been examined, from five collections. They range in geographic location, across Nubia, from the 1st to the 6 th cataracts. Sex and age estimation was carried out using accepted standard techniques applied to the pelvis and cranium. Spondylolysis was recorded as present or absent on all preserved and observable vertebra. Preliminary results indicate frequency rates similar to previous studies on African (non Nubian)populations ranging from 3 to 9 %, with a higher prevalence in males than females and a higher percentage in middle aged adult individuals. The location of spondylolysis was most often found in the lumbar vertebra at the L5 level, and most commonly bilaterally.
The aim of this study is to investigate which method, would be most accurate, when estimating bon... more The aim of this study is to investigate which method, would be most accurate, when estimating bone age from long bone lengths, when teeth are not available for aging.
Seventeen Anglo Saxon sub-adults were aged by dental development using the method of AlQahtani et al. (2010). Length of femora was measured and aged according to Maresh (1970), Rissech et al. (2008) and Primeau et al. (2015). Dental age and bone age was then compared.
Estimated bone ages using the method of Maresh (1970), showed the largest discrepancy to dental age, with a mean difference of -2.3 years. For Rissech et al. (2008) there was a mean difference of 0.3 years. For Primeau et al. (2015) there was a mean difference of -0.4 years.
It is concluded that Maresh (1970) is the least accurate in estimating sub-adult age from long bone length. Rather, using Rissech et al. (2008) or Primeau et al. (2015), will give a bone age closer to dental age. The difference in age between applying the two latter methods is a mean difference of 0.7 years. Rissech et al. (2008) has a bone age closer to dental age, However, Primeau et al. (2015) is available for all the long bones.
Papers by Samantha Tipper
Until now, a comprehensive study of the evidence for spinal disease and trauma in archaeological ... more Until now, a comprehensive study of the evidence for spinal disease and trauma in archaeological human remains has not yet been achieved for past Nubian populations, even though it can potentially tell us much about the health, welfare, and occupational and environmental stresses faced in ancient Nubia. This study presents a comparative study of spinal health, providing bioarchaeological data from 515 individuals (12,103 vertebrae), from five populations that date from the Meroitic (300 BC) to the Medieval period (AD 1500). Individuals included in this study derive from the sites of Semna South (n=192) and Mis Island (n=157), Gabati (n=80), Hesa(n=60) and lastly Soba East (n=26). Six conditions affecting the spine were studied, namely spinal fractures, spondylolysis, and clay shoveler’s fractures, Schmorl’s nodes, osteoarthritis and spondylosis. Contextual data from settlements and cemeteries were used to interpret the results, thus emphasizing the need to use a biocultural approach in bioarchaeology. The results demonstrated an overall prevalence (individuals affected) of 8.9% for fractures, 6.4% for spondylolysis, 22.7% for Schmorl’s Nodes, 48% for osteoarthritis, and 80.3% for spondylosis, while no evidence for clay shoveler’s fractures was observed. Overall, the results revealed a number of trends, for example that males were most affected by all spinal diseases (and trauma) observed, that all spinal diseases (and trauma) increased over time, that the highest prevalence rates were observed in the Medieval period, and that there was a higher prevalence rate of spinal diseases and trauma among the populations from Hesa and Mis Island compared to the other populations
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology
A comprehensive study of spinal health in ancient Nubia has not been achieved to date. This study... more A comprehensive study of spinal health in ancient Nubia has not been achieved to date. This study is a component of a larger survey of spinal health. It presents a comparative analysis of spondylolysis, with the aim of providing an insight into the quality of life, environmental and socio‐political stresses faced by individuals in ancient Nubia. This study provides bioarchaeological data from 515 adult individuals with preserved lumbar vertebrae (where spondylolysis is most commonly observed) from five populations that date from the Meroitic to the Medieval period (350 BC–1500 AD). Contextual data from settlements and cemeteries were used to interpret the data. The results demonstrated an overall crude prevalence of 6.6% for spondylolysis (individuals affected with vertebrae preserved) and an overall true prevalence of 1.2% (number of lumbar vertebrae affected). The data also revealed a number of possible trends, for example, that males were most affected, that there was an increase...
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2023
A comprehensive study of spinal health in ancient Nubia has not been achieved to date. This study... more A comprehensive study of spinal health in ancient Nubia has not been achieved to date. This study is a component of a larger survey of spinal health. It presents a comparative analysis of spondylolysis, with the aim of providing an insight into the quality of life, environmental and socio-political stresses faced by individuals in ancient Nubia. This study provides bioarchaeological data from 515 adult individuals with preserved lumbar vertebrae (where spondylolysis is most commonly observed) from five populations that date from the Meroitic to the Medieval period (350BC - AD 1500). Contextual data from settlements and cemeteries were used to interpret the data. The results demonstrated an overall crude prevalence of 6.6% for spondylolysis (individuals affected with vertebrae preserved) and an overall true prevalence of 1.2% (number of lumbar vertebrae affected). The data also revealed a number of possible trends, for example that males were most affected, an increase in prevalence over time, with the highest prevalence rates observed in the Medieval period, and a higher prevalence rate among the populations from Mis Island compared to the other populations. It is possible that activities such as farming, building or rowing as well as socio-political changes could have contributed to the prevalence of spondylolysis seen in this study.
Books by Samantha Tipper
Current Perspectives in Sudanese and Nubian Archaeology brings together papers presented at the 2... more Current Perspectives in Sudanese and Nubian Archaeology brings together papers presented at the 2nd Sudan Studies Research Conference, held at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge. Scholars from various institutions around the world gathered to discuss the most recent trends in the field of Sudanese and Nubian archaeology, ranging from recent fieldwork in Sudan to scientific analysis of material culture and current theoretical approaches. The papers collected here focus on early administrative and mortuary material culture in the Nile valley and adjacent areas; religious beliefs and practices at Kerma; the adoption and local use of imported objects in the New Kingdom colonial period; and the role of Sudan and East Africa in human population history. Together, all papers represent the diversity of current approaches to the archaeology of Sudan and Nubia in various periods. Link to open access https://tinyurl.com/ysu44wus
Current Research in Nubian Archaeology, 2019
Current Research in Nubian Archaeology is a compilation of the latest scientific and archaeologic... more Current Research in Nubian Archaeology is a compilation of the latest scientific and archaeological research carried out by scholars working in Sudan, providing an insight into the daily life and health of ancient Nubians. This volume developed from the first Sudan Studies Conference, hosted by Durham University, England in May 2017. The conference created a platform for interdisciplinary discourse and facilitated the exchange of ideas and building of new networks. The contributions to this book provide new and innovative ideas on a wide range of topics, such as; Bioarchaeology, ethno-archaeology and pottery.
Osteological Analysis by Samantha Tipper
In April 2021 Network Archaeology Ltd commissioned the osteological analysis of 4 skeletal remain... more In April 2021 Network Archaeology Ltd commissioned the osteological analysis of 4 skeletal remains. The remains were recovered during the excavation in 2019 at Viking House, Newland, Lincoln due to the construction of an extension to the facility to provide new student accommodation, located approximately 450m to the west of High Street (Moore, 2021). A total of three adult individuals and one non adult burial were located. All three adults (two females and 1 male) were interred in a supine position. Both females were oriented in a north east to south west direction, while the male individual was oriented in a west to east direction. Fragmentation was minimal and only one individual had poor surface preservation. The individuals were dated to the Roman period as they were located in an area of Roman rubbish pits and boundary ditches (Moore, 2021). Although preservation of individuals was good no pathological lesions were present apart from one individual displaying a deviated septum. Dental pathology was minimal, showing a good level of dental hygiene in this assemblage. Only one out of the two individuals with observable dentition was affected with calculus. No caries, periodontal disease or periapical lesions were present. Dental enamel hypoplasia was present on both individuals showing two separate stress occurrences for each.
In June 2021 I was commissioned by PCAS Archaeology Ltd to undertake the osteological analysis of... more In June 2021 I was commissioned by PCAS Archaeology Ltd to undertake the osteological analysis of 23 skeletons and disarticulated human remains. The skeletal remains were recovered during an archaeological excavation in advance of the redevelopment at Beaumont Fee in the city of Lincoln. The majority of skeletons were interred in a supine extended position. The burials were found to be oriented in an east to west direction. The skeletons were dated to the Roman period due to archaeological finds, including pottery, glass and coins that were dated to the Roman or probable Roman period. The osteological examination noted that the preservation skeletal remains varied although the majority were mostly in a poorly preserved condition with some inhumations incomplete as a result or later activity of truncation of burials. The majority were adults (16 individuals) with only seven non-adults. The moderate to poor preservation led to a some of the pathological lesions affecting the bone surface to no longer be observable. However, a lot of evidence for pathological lesions remained, including Leprosy, traumatic injuries, soft tissue injuries, spinal degeneration and degeneration of a few other joints such as the shoulder and hip. Dental hygiene was somewhat poor in this assemblage with the majority of individuals affected with slight to moderate calculus, some cases of caries, periapical lesions and ante-mortem tooth loss.
The osteological analysis comprised of eighty-seven human skeletal remains, two cremations and so... more The osteological analysis comprised of eighty-seven human skeletal remains, two cremations and some disarticulated bone. The skeletal remains were recovered during an archaeological excavation at Navenby, Lincolnshire in 2022. The majority of skeletons were interred in a supine position. The burials were found oriented in a variety of directions, although the most common was north-south direction. The majority of skeletons were dated to the Roman period due finds of Roman pottery, although there was evidence that skeleton eighty-eight (Phase G) was Iron age due to preliminary dating of pottery sherds. The osteological examination noted that the skeletal remains were mostly in a poorly preserved condition. Due to the poor preservation, it is likely that lesions such as trauma and pathology once present is no longer observable. However, some evidence for pathological lesions was observable, including spinal degeneration and degeneration of a few other joints such as the shoulder and hand. Furthermore, a number of cases of trauma were seen, such as clavicle and leg fractures. Dental hygiene was moderate in this assemblage with the majority of individuals affected with slight to moderate calculus, moderate periodontal disease, but with a high number of caries
Thesis by Samantha Tipper
Until now, a comprehensive study of the evidence for spinal disease and trauma in archaeological ... more Until now, a comprehensive study of the evidence for spinal disease and trauma in archaeological human remains has not yet been achieved for past Nubian populations, even though it can potentially tell us much about the health, welfare, and occupational and environmental stresses faced in ancient Nubia. This study presents a comparative study of spinal health, providing bioarchaeological data from 515 individuals (12,103 vertebrae), from five populations that date from the Meroitic (300 BC) to the Medieval period (AD 1500). Individuals included in this study derive from the sites of Semna South (n=192) and Mis Island (n=157), Gabati (n=80), Hesa(n=60) and lastly Soba East (n=26). Six conditions affecting the spine were studied, namely spinal fractures, spondylolysis, and clay shoveler’s fractures, Schmorl’s nodes, osteoarthritis and spondylosis. Contextual data from settlements and cemeteries were used to interpret the results, thus emphasizing the need to use a biocultural approach in bioarchaeology. The results demonstrated an overall prevalence (individuals affected) of 8.9% for fractures, 6.4% for spondylolysis, 22.7% for Schmorl’s Nodes, 48% for osteoarthritis, and 80.3% for spondylosis, while no evidence for clay shoveler’s fractures was observed. Overall, the results revealed a number of trends, for example that males were most affected by all spinal diseases (and trauma) observed, that all spinal diseases (and trauma) increased over time, that the highest prevalence rates were observed in the Medieval period, and that there was a higher prevalence rate of spinal diseases and trauma among the populations from Hesa and Mis Island compared to the other populations
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Conference Presentations by Samantha Tipper
Seventeen Anglo Saxon sub-adults were aged by dental development using the method of AlQahtani et al. (2010). Length of femora was measured and aged according to Maresh (1970), Rissech et al. (2008) and Primeau et al. (2015). Dental age and bone age was then compared.
Estimated bone ages using the method of Maresh (1970), showed the largest discrepancy to dental age, with a mean difference of -2.3 years. For Rissech et al. (2008) there was a mean difference of 0.3 years. For Primeau et al. (2015) there was a mean difference of -0.4 years.
It is concluded that Maresh (1970) is the least accurate in estimating sub-adult age from long bone length. Rather, using Rissech et al. (2008) or Primeau et al. (2015), will give a bone age closer to dental age. The difference in age between applying the two latter methods is a mean difference of 0.7 years. Rissech et al. (2008) has a bone age closer to dental age, However, Primeau et al. (2015) is available for all the long bones.
Papers by Samantha Tipper
Books by Samantha Tipper
Osteological Analysis by Samantha Tipper
Thesis by Samantha Tipper
Seventeen Anglo Saxon sub-adults were aged by dental development using the method of AlQahtani et al. (2010). Length of femora was measured and aged according to Maresh (1970), Rissech et al. (2008) and Primeau et al. (2015). Dental age and bone age was then compared.
Estimated bone ages using the method of Maresh (1970), showed the largest discrepancy to dental age, with a mean difference of -2.3 years. For Rissech et al. (2008) there was a mean difference of 0.3 years. For Primeau et al. (2015) there was a mean difference of -0.4 years.
It is concluded that Maresh (1970) is the least accurate in estimating sub-adult age from long bone length. Rather, using Rissech et al. (2008) or Primeau et al. (2015), will give a bone age closer to dental age. The difference in age between applying the two latter methods is a mean difference of 0.7 years. Rissech et al. (2008) has a bone age closer to dental age, However, Primeau et al. (2015) is available for all the long bones.