A recent study led by Dr. Victoria Romano and her colleagues sheds light on the care practices of ancient hunter-gatherers in Patagonia, revealing that these communities tended to their injured and disabled members. The study, published in the International Journal of Paleopathology, involved detailed analysis of 3,179 skeletal elements, or individual bones, from 25 archaeological sites. Specifically, it focused on the DNA of 189 individuals who lived during the Late Holocene, approximately 4,000–250 years BP.
The results indicate that around a fifth of these people suffered from skeletal trauma. The blood acute injuries included superficial wounds and even complete avulsion. The researchers categorized these injuries into three types: Mild Care, Moderate Care, and Intensive Care. This innovative study represents the first in-depth examination of invasive care practices. It situates non-sedentary hunter-gatherers, at the level of the population, in the plains of Argentina.
Insights from the Study
Dr. Romano’s study brings to light substantial proof of interpersonal care practices in previous eras of Patagonia. The research team carefully weighed each skeletal element. They found multiple types of injuries including cranial and nasal fractures, as well as clavicle and rib injuries. These types of injuries tend to fix themselves within 1-3 weeks. According to the data, far from being immediately fatal, most of these people not only were treated but survived for years following their injuries.
One of these most surprising cases was a patient with significant end stage bilateral hip joint destruction. The shifting and breaking apart of the thigh bone’s ball and hip socket joint showed that the individual had experienced traumatic impact. Unbelievably, they were able to outlive the accident by decades.
“Yes, there is some evidence suggesting that interpersonal care was practiced in earlier periods of Patagonia.” – Dr. Victoria Romano
Dr. Romano acknowledged the difficulties associated with making any firm conclusions about the causes of these injuries. She added that as a result it’s impossible to know if they came from accidents or from interpersonal violence.
“It is difficult to determine whether the injuries were accidental or the result of interpersonal violence. We opted to consider that most injuries are likely attributable to accidents, as it is challenging to distinguish between fractures caused by falls or by conflict without additional evidence.” – Dr. Victoria Romano
Historical Context and Significance
Our research points to an important gap in current literature concerning care practices among ancient populations from the Argentine northwest. Prior studies have focused on care practices at the macro level. Dr. Romano’s work addresses this gap and is essential to understanding the social dynamics of these prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities.
The research confirms the only previously documented case of a calcaneus injury from the Middle Holocene. This case argues very strongly that early human societies had extensive health care infrastructure for injured and wounded people. Dr. Romano pointed out the lack of comprehensive studies in Argentina that focus on care practices during earlier periods, underscoring the importance of this research.
“For example, a case of a calcaneus injury from the Middle Holocene has been documented, which suggests that care was provided. However, there are no population-level studies in Argentina addressing care practices in earlier periods.” – Dr. Victoria Romano
This research is about more than just understanding the history of human activity. It demonstrates fascinating aspects of the movement patterns and social networks of ancient foragers.