The frozen family of Utqiagvik: The autopsy findings.
The frozen family of Utqiagvik is a unique find in terms of its intact archaeologic provenience. Five individuals were identified, crushed and frozen in a winter house. This paper focuses on the anatomic findings in the bodies, two of which were remarkably well preserved. Standard hospital autopsy procedures were used on the Southern Body (SB) and Northern Body (NB), both females who died of crushing chest injuries. SB was middle-aged and showed atherosclerosis. She had probably suffered pneumonia earlier in her life, complicated by an infection of the heart, and she was lactating at the time of her death. She may also have had trichinosis. NB was a young, relatively healthy adult. Both bodies showed osteoporosis and pulmonary anthracosis. The three other individuals were poorly preserved and skeletonized. The SB was approximately 42 years old, and the ages for the NB and three skeletons, approximately 25, 20, 13, and 8, suggest that they were the offspring of the SB. The diseases demonstrated in these bodies are considered in relation to their unique arctic environment and adaptive cultural practices.
| Main Author: | Zimmerman, Michael. |
|---|---|
| Other Authors: | Aufderheide, Arthur. |
| Format: | |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1984
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| Online Access: |
http://ezproxy.villanova.edu/login?url=https://digital.library.villanova.edu/Item/vudl:179497 |