Implications of the Cultural and Biological Deformations of an Iron Age Individual

The skeleton of an adult male, dating to the Early Iron Age of the Assyrian Period (B.C. 8th7th cc), recovered in South Eastern Turkey was analyzed. It reveals significant biological and cultural deformations. This so-called Zeviya Tivilki individual represents the first known record of circular-type double bandage artificial cranial deformation from the Iron Age in Anatolia. The presence of cranial pathology temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) on the left side of the mandible, most probably caused by a trauma, was identified and negatively affected dental function and health. In particular, the occlusal surface of the left upper teeth covered by dental plaque indicates that the individual was not able to use this side of his jaw. Signs of the postcranial pathology diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) reveal that the individual’s physical behaviors were effected (limited). Deformations due to physical and physiological stresses on the postcranial and cranial parts indicate the individual severely suffered during his lifetime.