Working to the Bone: a Comparative Health and Occupational Study of the Skeletal Remains from Rural Moorsel (c. ad 1000-1860)

Abstract

Bioarchaeological analyses of human skeletal remains from two rural sites in Belgium, one of 103 low-status individuals from the churchyard in Moorsel, and one of 68 socially higher ranked individuals from the church in Oosterweel, were the start of a comprehensive study regarding rural populations dating between c. ad 1000-1860 in north-west Europe. Despite limited studies of the osteological evidence from rural populations as well as of those with a low social status in most north-western European countries addressed in this study, the palaeopathological data implied a high frequency in (healed) trauma and entheseal changes (EC) or musculoskeletal stress markers (MSM) for both sexes, possibly due to heavier physical labour, and fewer infectious and deficiency diseases, compared to urban, and especially industrialised, contexts. Moreover, palaeodemographic data suggested an equal ratio between male and female churchyard burials compared to those who were buried inside the church, as a 2:1 male preponderance was noticed in the latter group. Besides an average stature similar to urban populations (and even a slightly taller average stature observed in rural females) the macroscopic investigation suggested a general good health condition, which was also attested in the selected rural case studies. However, taking into consideration the osteological paradox, biomolecular analyses for further investigation concerning infectious diseases are suggested.