Osteobiography of a female with reduced growth from Kutná Hora-Sedlec (13th–14th century): A bioarchaeology of care perspective

Abstract

This study explores the osteobiography of an individual with reduced stature excavated from grave No. 314 in the medieval cemetery of Kutná Hora-Sedlec. Analyzing the archaeological context and skeletal remains, we investigate growth disorders and their implications for health and daily living, considering the bioarchaeology of care approach. The individual exhibited a stature of 140.4 ± 4.15 cm, displaying pathologies such as healed fractures, dental caries, and linear enamel hypoplasia, which suggest compromised health and potential malnutrition during growth. Differential diagnoses considered include growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, and genetic syndromes like Turner syndrome. The findings indicate that while the individual may not have required intensive care, her health issues likely impacted her work capability and quality of life within a mining community. The burial practices reflect an absence of social stigma surrounding her condition, further complicating the interpretation of care in historical contexts. This case underscores the necessity of considering subtle skeletal changes in bioarchaeological research, enriching our understanding of past human health, disability, and social dynamics.