This is a project to evaluate the incidence and patterning of mechanical and nutritional stress as a consequence of European contact in Native American populations from the Great Lakes region. Samples will be drawn from archaeologically-derived human skeletal and dental material from Michigan and western New York State, representing precontact (Late Prehistoric) and postcontact (Early Historic) time periods. Using non-invasive computerized tomography, variation in bone mineral density will be assessed. In addition, incidence of dental caries, attrition, and enamel hypoplasia will be examined as measures of nutritional quality. These data will be used to determine whether changes in dietary quality as a result of European contact led to nutritional and/or mechanical stress as reflected in the teeth and skeleton.
