L'étude des hypoplasies linéaires de l'émail et la caractérisation de l'élevage porcin au Moyen Âge sur les sites de Boves (Somme) et de Vincennes (Val-de-Marne)

Abstract

Pathologies which may appear on the bones or teeth of an animal are related to its health and its living conditions. A dental malformation known as linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) is caused by temporary insufficiencies in the build-up of the enamel as the crown develops. This anomaly is characterised by the appearance of lines or ridges on the surface of the crown. The study of these lines makes it possible to propose chronological models of periods of physiological stress occurring during the animal's development, and can often be related to a deterioration in diet. The first results obtained from the castle sites of Boves (eighth century - fourteenth century) and Vincennes (fourteenth century) suggest that variations in the number and aspect of the lines observed on the teeth of pigs may be related to environmental conditions and livestock farming practices current between the eighth and the fourteenth centuries. Thanks to the observation of LEH occurrence, comparisons may be established between different sites, or different phases of one particular site. The possibility of comparing several periods on the same site also provides an opportunity to research the incidents or conditions in the livestock raising process that may have determined these variations.