centre for human bioarchaeology
DESCRIPTION
Images from a presentation to the Thames Discovery Programme Riverpedia Human Remains workshop by Jelena Bekvalac (MoL), November 2010TRANSCRIPT
Centre for Human Bioarchaeology
Curation and Continued Research of Human Remains
Jelena Bekvalac
Centre for Human Bioarchaeology (CHB)• Established 2003 - Wellcome funding• Curation of c.17,000 stratified human skeletal remains• Roman, Medieval & Post Medieval • 2,000 years of London’s history & development• Unique insight into population of London• Excavations City of London & Greater London• On-line 2007- Widen access to collection • Generate public awareness around Human skeletal
research
THE W.O.R.D DATABASE
• The Wellcome Osteological Research Database - W.OR.D Database is an Oracle database
• Implemented by Brian Connell and Peter Rauxloh as a rapid method of recording
• Valuable Research Engine-Input and Output of data• Standardised information for each recorded skeleton • Extraction of data can relate either only to the
skeletal material or linked with the archaeology-London Archaeological Archive Resource Centre (LAARC)
Role of the Centre• Curation• Collection care • Documentation• Enable access to
collections• Encourage & assist
student research• Promote multi disciplinary
research • Collaboration and
comparison• Conferences• Publications
• Teaching courses for public
• Outreach events – open days
• Volunteers• Study days• Exhibitions
Skeletons –Wellcome exhibition
British Dental Association Museum
Exhibitions
MIN86 11090, St Mary Graces
Wellcome Collection image from the exhibition London's Buried Bones
Access to collections
•On line data downloadable
•Research bench spaces in CHB
•Application process
•National and International access
•Link to LAARC records
•Outreach public events
Benefits of On Line DatabaseDatabase• Standardised recording• Acts as conservation
tool• Downloadable
information on line• Large quantative source
for statistical analysis• Record of sampling
Website• Comparative sites
available in summarises and raw format
• Previous research• Linked sources –
archaeological, historical documentary
Where are the skeletons from?Building developments
Inhumations/Cremations
Truncation from reuse of grave
Mass burials
Monastic cemeteries
Parish cemeteries
Paupers cemeteries
Hospital cemeteries
Photos by Museum of London Archaeology
Preservation and completeness
Nails
Hair
Dentures
Truncation/dissection
Foetus
Gallstone??
Curation and storage
Conservation standard packing of human skeletal remains
Rotunda store
Collection care – Destructive Sampling
•Maintaining integrity of skeletal collections
•Long term survival of collections
•Advancement in techniques
•New research
•Application process for proposals specifically for destructive sampling
•Collective decision – Human Remains Committee
SB79 87
What can we learn from the skeletons?
• Indicators of health & diet
• Diseases affecting the bones
• Dental disease
• Metrics e.g. stature
• Indicators of lifestyle & environment
• Chemical analysis of teeth & bones – ancient DNA, stable isotopes, protein analysis
William Wood – Chelsea Old Church (Butcher & Beadle)
Edentulous
DISH Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis - Fusion of the spine – right side - “Candle wax”
Types of Research• Medical• Social• Forensic• Scientific –
sampling• Disease specific• Comparative
studies – other time periods, locations
• Interpretive• Dissemination of
information in publications - journals/books
Future
• Continued dissemination & accessibility
• Assist making research approachable & accessible
• Open up database further/encourage standardised recording
• Use as a dynamic tool for research
• Qualitative research & collaboration
• Archive assemblages for other units
• Retain assemblages (if possible) -Virtual collections-record even if reburied for demographic comparison
• Reburial pressure liaison with institutes at early stage for research
• Other skeletal collections available on line
• Outreach