Laura Bonfanti, Domenico Lo Vetro, †Raffaella Poggiani Keller, Margherita Vanni, Stefania Vai, David Caramelli, Jacopo Moggi Cecchi

Analisi di resti scheletrici umani da siti risalenti al tardo Neolitico e all'età del Rame della provincia di Bergamo

Introduction

Analisi di resti scheletrici umani da siti risalenti al tardo neolitico e all'età del rame della provincia di bergamo. Analisi di resti scheletrici umani del Neolitico e dell'Età del Rame in provincia di Bergamo. Svela riti funerari, patologie e indizi sull'uso dei denti antichi.

Abstract

Human osteological remains from Late Neolithic and Copper Age sites in the province of Bergamo were examined and reviewed. These derive from caves in the municipalities of Zogno (Buca del Tabàc, Grotta Pussù, Buca del Paier), Entratico (Buca del Corno) and from rock shelters in the municipality of Castione della Presolana (Val Merci - Prat de la Furca). A picture of funerary rites diversified into secondary caves deposition, with high minimum number of individuals and evidence of semi-combustion of human and animal remains, and primary deposition under shelters, including a double inhumation, was defined. Information was obtained on age, sex, pathologies and occurrence of enthesis. Where possible stature and body mass were estimated. Noteworthy in morphological analysis is the evidence of the use of teeth as a «third limb» and the presence of a distinctive wear band on two upper incisors. Both hunted and human-bred species were identified among the animal remains.

Review

The study, "Analisi di resti scheletrici umani da siti risalenti al tardo Neolitico e all'età del Rame della provincia di Bergamo," offers a compelling and comprehensive osteological analysis of human remains from several Late Neolithic and Copper Age sites within the Bergamo province. This multi-site investigation, drawing from diverse contexts including caves in Zogno and Entratico, and rock shelters in Castione della Presolana, represents a significant contribution to understanding the prehistoric populations and their complex funerary practices in this region. The paper's scope promises a rich dataset, effectively outlining a detailed approach that will undoubtedly enhance our knowledge of late prehistory in Northern Italy. Methodologically, the abstract indicates a robust and multifaceted examination of the human remains. The authors were successful in defining a complex picture of funerary rites, ranging from secondary depositions in caves, often associated with a high Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI) and intriguing evidence of semi-combustion of both human and animal remains, to primary depositions, including a rare double inhumation, under rock shelters. Beyond the ritualistic aspects, the study delves into standard bioarchaeological metrics, extracting information on age, sex, pathologies, and the occurrence of entheses, with estimations of stature and body mass where possible. Particularly noteworthy are the morphological observations concerning dental use, specifically the description of teeth as a "third limb" and the identification of a distinctive wear band on two upper incisors, hinting at specialized activities or cultural practices. The inclusion of animal remains, identifying both hunted and human-bred species, further enriches the ecological and dietary context of these ancient communities. Overall, this research promises to be a foundational paper for understanding the Late Neolithic and Copper Age populations of the Bergamo area. By meticulously integrating diverse funerary contexts with detailed osteological and morphological analyses, the authors offer fresh insights into both mortuary practices and the daily lives, health, and activity patterns of these prehistoric groups. The findings, particularly the diversified funerary rites and specific dental wear patterns, hold significant implications for broader discussions on cultural variability and adaptive strategies in prehistoric Europe. This study is a commendable effort to synthesize complex bioarchaeological data, providing a robust framework for future investigations into the human past of this critical transitional period.

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