Anthropology, Department of
First Advisor
William R. Belcher
Date of this Version
5-2024
Citation
A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Arts
Major: Anthropology
Under the supervision of Professor William R. Belcher
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2024
Abstract
Extensive site surveys and excavations on the Island of Barbuda led by Dr. Sophia Perdikaris have identified over 62 sites spanning from the Archaic time period to Historic times. Over the last 18 years, these multidisciplinary teams have focused on mapping all sites and performing rescue excavations on sites threatened by sea level rise, erosion or development. Two such sites are the Saladoid site of Seaview (BA016) and the Troumassoid site of Indian Town Trail (BA01). The dunes surrounding the site of Seaview receive the brunt of storms and hurricanes. In 1998 hurricane Georges exposed skeletal material now part of the Barbuda Museum. More recently hurricane Irma caused massive erosion on the same dune system and more skeletal remains were exposed that were rescued by Dr. Reg Murphy. The site of Indian Town Trail has been significantly destroyed by commercial limestone extraction, house, road and rail construction. While excavations were taking place at a different part of the site, donkey activity exposed human remains that were initially deposited as back dirt on the crossroads for a failed rail project. The skeletal remains from Indian Town Trail were collected by the archaeological team and are also part of this presentation today. The research presented is an osteobiographical analyses that includes an inventory of the skeletal remains, determination of the minimum number of individuals (MNI), estimates of the biological profile, and observations of skeletal trauma and paleopathologies. Available radiocarbon dating will be utilized to determine the age of the skeletal remains and better understand site occupation in Barbuda.
Advisor: William R. Belcher
Included in
Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Biological and Physical Anthropology Commons, Caribbean Languages and Societies Commons, Forensic Science and Technology Commons, Indigenous Studies Commons, International and Area Studies Commons, Musculoskeletal System Commons, Native American Studies Commons
Comments
Copyright 2024, Maggie M. Klemm. Used by permission