Abstract:
Little is known about the lifestyle of Aboriginal people prior to European colonisation of Australia. Analysis of osseous skeletal modifications thought to reflect activity and lifestyle behaviour has the potential to yield further information. Musculoskeletal stress markers (MSM), osteoarthritis (OA), and trauma were recorded on skeletons from the Gillman Mound site in Adelaide, South Australia (1200-750 YBP). The aim of this study was to interpret these markers of physical activity through osteobiographic and intrapopulation analysis and determine what they suggest about the lifestyle and activity of the Gillman skeletons. Interpretations of marker patterns were supplemented with evidence from ethnohistoric accounts, bioarchaeological evidence, and clinical observations. Recognising that morphology of these markers is affected by complex and multifactorial influences means that this study could not draw any definitive conclusions on specific activities undertaken by the Gillman people. Attempts to control for the effects of body size, sex, and age, all known to affect MSM and OA, were limited likely due to the small number of individuals, but suggested there was overall homogeneity in levels of activity within the population. Patterns of marker expression were however suggestive of certain aspects of Gillman lifestyle. Low levels of MSM expression, absence of OA, and absence of leg fractures suggested individuals had lifestyles with low levels of strenuous physical activity. The presence of Schmorl‘s nodes in the lower spine of several skeletons may have indicated heavy weight-bearing demands. In addition, the presence of a possible 'parry fracture', 'boxer fractures', and a cranial vault depression provided tentative evidence for interpersonal violence endured by two individuals. Future research on markers of physical activity in other skeletal groups within the local region is suggested. This would help determine whether marker patterns at the Gillman site are unique or representative of a wider regional pattern.
