The cross-sectional geometry (CSG) properties of the humerus of a sample composed of nine males and eight females from three caves located in the Finalese region (Savona, Italy) have been analysed. The comparison with a European Late Upper Paleolithic sample showed unchanged humeral robusticity in females and increased humeral robusticity in males leading to an increase in sexual dimorphism, indicating different activity levels between genders probably as a consequence of sexual division of labour. Both sexes show a more rounded humeral diaphyseal circumference and decrease of lateralization probably related to an increase in activities that stressed both limbs in a similar way. In particular, the finding of grind stone in the archaeological record seems to explain the absence of lateralization in females, which might be related to the processing of cereals. Overall CSG results furnish further evidence for the hypothesis of a prevalently pastoral economy of the Neolithic people of Western Liguria.
Cross sectional geometry of the humerus of a Western Liguria Neolithic sample
MARCHI, DAMIANO;
2006-01-01
Abstract
The cross-sectional geometry (CSG) properties of the humerus of a sample composed of nine males and eight females from three caves located in the Finalese region (Savona, Italy) have been analysed. The comparison with a European Late Upper Paleolithic sample showed unchanged humeral robusticity in females and increased humeral robusticity in males leading to an increase in sexual dimorphism, indicating different activity levels between genders probably as a consequence of sexual division of labour. Both sexes show a more rounded humeral diaphyseal circumference and decrease of lateralization probably related to an increase in activities that stressed both limbs in a similar way. In particular, the finding of grind stone in the archaeological record seems to explain the absence of lateralization in females, which might be related to the processing of cereals. Overall CSG results furnish further evidence for the hypothesis of a prevalently pastoral economy of the Neolithic people of Western Liguria.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
