Sex Differences in Oral Pathologies at the Late Classic Maya Site of Xcambó, Yucatán

Abstract

The present study compares the frequency of oral pathologies—namely caries, antemortem tooth loss and periapical defects—between sexes in the Maya site of Xcambó, Yucatán, during the Late Classic Period (AD 600-900). There are marked differences in the occurrence of oral pathological conditions between the sexes in two of three major areas of the sites, despite evidence of archaeological and funerary homogeneity within the site. In these two compounds, females are significantly more affected by oral pathologies than males. In contrast, the third area of the site shows slightly higher frequencies in males, but with no significant sex difference. The results*Correspondence to: Andrea Cucina, Facultad de Ciencias Antropológicas, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexioco. E-mail: acucina@yahoo.comhave been interpreted according to the site’s location, size and economic role within a larger trade network in the Yucatán peninsula. The higher frequency of oral pathologies in females is interpreted as the result of sex differences in dietary and behavioral patterns. Females likely had more maize in their diet and, because of their role in food preparation, may have ingested food more frequently during the day. At the same time, the lack of difference between sexes in the third area of the site contradicts the archaeological evidence of intrasite homogeneity, and it raises questions on the cultural complexity of this population.

Sex differences in age‐related bone loss and antemortem tooth loss in East‐Central Arizona (AD 1200–1450)

“…The lack of statistically significant differences in dental caries and AMTL between sexes does not support our hypothesis that pathology experience was greater among females than males, but it is consistent with some previous archaeological studies on dental health in the New World (Costa, 1980; Cucina et al, 2002). Our finding suggests there were few sex differences in diet or dental behaviour at Point of Pines Pueblo.…”

Once were warriors: Challenging occupation preconceptions in Lebanese weapon‐associated burials (Middle Bronze Age, Sidon)

“…There is growing evidence suggesting that members from different social classes, consuming different foods, tend to have different patterns of dental diseases (Cucina et al, 2003; Gagnon, 2004; Sakashita et al, 1997). Examples from Honduras and Belize (Reed, 1994), China (Sakashita et al, 1997) and Peru (Gagnon, 2004) show that there is significantly more caries among low‐status burials than in high‐status individuals.…”

Population and Demographic Shifts Along the Coast of Yucatan From the Early to Late Classic: A View From Xcambo, Mexico

“…Resting on the theoretical overshoots stated in Wood's model (1998), the new life style should be directly related with commercial activities and control of new resources, which turned Xcambo into an affluent society. Its wealth should have granted its settlers better nourishment and improved fecundity (Cucina 2011; Cucina et al 2003; Watkins and Van de Walle 1990). A rising fertility in comparison to the previous period and a lower overall mortality profile would have occurred with improved living conditions.…”

“…Bioarchaeological studies show that inhabitants of Xcambo suffered from infectious diseases (Cucina 2011; Cucina et al 2003), but—compared to other rural settlements—were relatively well-fed and freed from harsh, physically stressful procurement and service activities. This is particularly noticeable for Late Classic males (Maggiano et al 2008).…”