HeatherD

[Mods, please move this thread if it belongs elsewhere. Since it entails some archaeology, I thought...]

A teacher I used to have, regularly posts as part of her class, some bonus, or extra-credit exercises. Since I find them interesting, I thought maybe someone else might like to take a few cracks at figuring out the puzzle.

I also think the instructor watches "The Simpsons"

P.S. I haven't been in her class in 18 months.

<a href="http://www.santarosa.edu/~mbond/Bonuskeletonfall2002.html" target="_blank">Mystery Skeleton Bonus</a>

Basically, the point is to identify a pair of skeletons and determine:

• 1. Are the remains prehistoric or are they from some recent death?
• 2. Were either a victim of crime or accident, or did they die of natural causes?
• 3. Just who were the persons buried here? Male or female? How old were each at the time of death?
• 4. You must explain any evidence of disease, injuries, or cultural activities that may have left their mark on the bones.
• 5. Is it possible that the remains can been connected with some known individual or group as described below?

The descriptions of the skeletons and some background information are on the page link to above.

To get started, and based on what I've examined already, I'd say we have:

#1. A male skeleton, at least of mature adult age. I don't think he is a recent death.

reasons:
cranial sutures are completely closed
unfilled cavities
mother-of-pearl buttons

#2 A skeleton of a child, nearing or in puberty but not late teen.

reasons:
None of the sutures on the skull show closure
pelvis does not exhibit either male or female characteristics
person was between 3 1/2 and 4 feet tall
All of the incisor teeth and four molars are permanent; the remaining teeth are deciduous

-------------
So what other details can be deduced from the evidence posted?

[ December 10, 2002: Message edited by: HeatherDonahue ]</p>

Kosh

"Who are you? who who who who?"

I can't do this without some cool visual 3D effects showing different scenarios on the murders....

PandaJoe

I'm no archaeologist, but I guess I can toss out an uneducated opinion.
It doesn't look like they were murdered. In both cases, their arms are crossed over their chests, as you would find in a formal burial. I doubt a murdered would take the time to bury them both in that fashion.

HeatherD

I love that show!!

Although I don't much like the Miami version.

HeatherD

That would be my opinion as well. Not a murder, that is unless it was ritualized.

What I can't figure out is the significance of the mother-of-pearl buttons found near the ribcage. I would guess button from a shirt but is that a western/white man shirt or an american indian fashion.

CX

If you don't mind I'm going to move this to MD