essay

Of time and the river: perspectives on health during the Moundville chiefdom

archaeology of the moundville chiefdomWashington, Dc • Published In 1998 • Pages: 102-119

By: Powell, Mary Lucas.

Abstract
A previous synchronic study of elite and nonelite burials from Moundville indicated that minor variations in adult stature, childhood stress, dental health, trauma, and infectious disease owed more to age and sex than to difference in ranked status. A diachronic reevaluation of these dimensions of health suggests several trends from Moundville I through Moundville III: small increases in stature and diet-related dental disease for adults of both sexes, a decline in severe chronic iron-deficiency anemia among children, and the first clear appearance of endemic treponematosis and tuberculosis in Moundville II. The overall picture conforms logically to the site's changing role from a major population center to the paramount regional mortuary site, as the growing population gradually spread throughout the Black Warrior Valley in secondary - and tertiary - level communities rather than remaining concentrated at Moundville itself (p. 102).
Subjects
Organization and analysis of results of research
Ontogenetic data
Nutrition
Morbidity
Status, role, and prestige
Social relationships and groups
Burial practices and funerals
tradition
Mississippian
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
North America
Sub Region
Eastern Woodlands
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 2005
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
1100 BP - 350 BP (900 A.D. - 1650 A.D.)
Coverage Place
Moundville, Black Warrior Valley, Alabama, United States
Notes
Mary Lucas Powell
For bibliographical references see document 21: [Knight and Steponaitis]
LCCN
98006875
LCSH
Mississippian culture