Bioarchaeological Investigation of Possible Gunshot Wounds in 18th Century Human Skeletons from Korea

Abstract

Notwithstanding the relative abundance of bioarchaeological evidence of pre-20th century gunshot wounds discovered at European and American archaeological sites, similar findings in East Asian countries have been very rare. In this study, we report evidence of possible gunshot wounds sustained by two individuals buried in Joseon tombs of Korea. The shapes of the trauma seemed to indicate low-velocity projectiles, most likely musket balls. To our knowledge, this is the first bioarchaeological report specifically concerning possible gunshot-wound evidence in East Asian skeletons recovered from archaeological fields.

The presence of sharp-edged weapon related cut mark in Joseon skull discovered at the 16th century market district of Old Seoul City ruins in South Korea

“…We also admit that the weapon-related traumas also occurred in pre-20th century Korean skulls by armed conflicts at that time. For instances, in 18th century Joseon skeletons, we found possible projectile wounds (e.g., by a musket bullet) on the skull [ 4 ]. The skull traumas caused by sharp-edged weapon were also reported from the excavation site of Seven-Year War between Korea and Japan ( Imjinwaeran ) [ 5 ].…”