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A study of a turn of the 20th century skeletal collection from Memphis, TN

by Stephen Michael Davis

Institution:	Mississippi State University
Year:	2017
Keywords:	archaeology; osteology
Posted:	02/01/2018
Record ID:	2154456
Full text PDF:	http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-03122017-144416/;

Abstract

This thesis is a comparative and descriptive study of a turn of the 20th century human commingled skeletal collection from Memphis, TN. The Memphis Regional Forensic Center (MRFC) collection is over four hundred elements recovered in various states of fragmentation. This study focused primarily on the occurrence and prevalence of anatomical cutting and osteoarthritis of the MRFC collection in comparison to contemporary osteological samples to provide insight into a subset of people living in late 19th/early 20th century Memphis, TN. In the framework of biocultural theory, it was discovered that the MRFC collection likely represented individuals subjected to structural violence through medical dissection. An analysis of the Shelby County mortality records also appears to support this possibility. Finally, based on osteoarthritis prevalence, it was inconclusive whether or not the collection represented a more urban or rural population. Advisors/Committee Members: Evan Peacock (chair).