Bone trauma and interpersonal care among Late Holocene hunter-gatherers from Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the social implications of traumatic injuries in non-sedentary hunter-gatherers by analysing osteological remains through models based on the Bioarchaeology of Care. Materials: Human skeletal remains from North Patagonia (Late Holocene). 3179 anatomical elements from 189 individuals of both sexes and different age categories. Methods: Macroscopic analysis of all bones to identify two injury types (dislocations and fractures) to apply the Index of Care to each case. Results: About 20 % of individuals suffered injuries, mostly mild, requiring short-term care. Severe cases needed intensive care, likely disrupting the normal routines of daily life in the group. Conclusions: Despite logistical costs and disabilities that led, in some cases, to social reorganisation of daily or planned activities, these groups ensured their peers' survival and recovery through care. Significance: The Index of Care was expanded by defining categories based on care intensity, applicable to any context, and offers new information about interpersonal care in Patagonia. Limitations: Only osteological remains are available to assess interpersonal care. Suggestions for further research: Incorporate other pathological conditions (e.g., bone infections) and more samples on a larger spatial-temporal scale to evaluate interpersonal care in the region.