Ordinary People in Ancient East Asia: Interview with Professor Kate Pechenkina
Feb 1, 2024
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Professor Kate Pechenkina, an expert on bioarchaeology of East Asia, discusses how ancient DNA and stable isotope analysis can reveal insights about the lives of ordinary people in the distant past. Topics include artificial cranial deformation, trade networks, dietary choices, limitations of research, burial practices, disruptions on population health, and the emotional impact of studying ancient human remains.
Advancements in scientific tools have revolutionized archaeology in understanding the lives of people in the past.
By examining bioarchaeology in East Asia, insights into gender and other forms of inequality in ancient societies are discovered.
Deep dives
Advancements in Scientific Tools and the Study of the Past
Advancements in scientific tools such as ancient DNA and stable isotope analysis have revolutionized archaeology by providing new insights into the lives of people in the past. These tools allow researchers to understand individuals in a more human way by examining injuries, diseases, and dietary patterns. By looking at the aggregate data, a more comprehensive view of ancient societies can be obtained.
Bioarchaeology in East Asia
Kate Pichonkina, a professor of anthropology, specializes in bioarchaeology in East Asia, particularly in the field of ancient DNA and stable isotope analysis. Her work not only focuses on the scientific aspects of these techniques, but also explores the larger social implications of the findings. By examining bioarchaeology in East Asia, Pichonkina uncovers insights into gender and other forms of inequality in ancient societies.
The Significance of Artificial Cranial Deformation
Pichonkina's interest in bioarchaeology began when she discovered artificially deformed skulls in a collection. This sparked her curiosity in understanding how cultural practices shape the human body. By studying the shape and deformation of skulls, she delves into the social and cultural aspects of ancient societies. Examples from South America and China highlight the significance of identifying distinct group identities through cranial deformation.
Exploring Dietary Shifts and Health in Ancient China
Through the analysis of stable isotopes and health indicators, such as dental health and bone growth, Pichonkina investigates dietary shifts and their impact on population health in ancient China. Her research uncovers changes in diet, oral health deterioration due to the consumption of new cereal crops, evidence of intestinal parasites caused by environmental factors, and potential sex-based dietary differences and hierarchies. These findings provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals and societal changes in the past.
Professor Kate Pechenkina is an expert on the bioarchaeology of East Asia, utilizing cutting-edge tools to tell us about the lives and experiences of ordinary people in the distant past: diet, disease, trauma, the kinds of topics that written evidence simply doesn't illuminate.
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