Owing to their hardness, density and extreme durability in the burial matrix, human teeth offer investigators a remarkably complete biological and behavioral record of past and living populations. This volume chronicles the dramatic progress made in dental anthropology since the field was established in 1963. Covers a range of methodologies and addresses numerous research questions of current interest. Among the topics discussed are microwear, morphological variation, adontometrics, intentional and unintentional modification, age estimation, pathology, enamel defects, occlusal variation, growth and development.

"Brings together studies from diverse time periods and geographic regions to deliver a comprehensive biocultural treatment of dental modification. The volume amply documents the diversity of ways humans modify their teeth and the variety of reasons they may do so."--Debbie Guatelli-Steinberg, author of What Teeth Reveal about Human Evolution Tooth modification is the longest-lasting type of body modification and the most widespread in the archaeological record. It has been practiced throughout many time periods and on every occupied continent and conveys information about individual people, their societies, and their relationships to others. This necessary volume presents the wide spectrum of intentional dental modification in humans across the globe over the past 16,000 years. These essays draw on research from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Europe. Through archaeological studies, historical and ethnographic sources, and observations of contemporary people, contributors examine instances of tooth filing, notching, inlays, dyeing, and removal. They discuss how to distinguish between these purposeful modifications of teeth and normal wear and tear or disease while demonstrating what patterns of tooth modification can reveal about people and their cultures in the past and present. A volume in the series Bioarchaeological Interpretations of the Human Past: Local, Regional, and Global Perspectives, edited by Clark Spencer Larsen

All humans share certain components of tooth structure, but show variation in size and morphology around this shared pattern. This book presents a worldwide synthesis of the global variation in tooth morphology in recent populations. Research has advanced on many fronts since the publication of the first edition, which has become a seminal work on the subject. This revised and updated edition introduces new ideas in dental genetics and ontogeny and summarizes major historical problems addressed by dental morphology. The detailed descriptions of 29 dental variables are fully updated with current data and include details of a new web-based application for using crown and root morphology to evaluate ancestry in forensic cases. A new chapter describes what constitutes a modern human dentition in the context of the hominin fossil record.

Companion to Dental Anthropology presents a collection of original readings addressing all aspects and sub-disciplines of the field of dental anthropology—from its origins and evolution through to the latest scientific research. Represents the most comprehensive coverage of all sub-disciplines of dental anthropology available today Features individual chapters written by experts in their specific area of dental research Includes authors who also present results from their research through case studies or voiced opinions about their work Offers extensive coverage of topics relating to dental evolution, morphometric variation, and pathology

Presents the latest advances in cementochronology and its use in various anthropological contexts, from ancient fossils to forensic cases.

Bringing together a variety of accomplished dental researchers, this book covers a range of topics germane to the study of human and other primate teeth. The chapters encompass work on individuals to samples, ranging from prehistoric to modern times. The focus throughout the book is the methodology required for the study of modern dental anthropology, comprising the scientific methods in use today - ranging from simple observation to advanced computer-based analyses - which can be utilized by the reader in their own dental research. Originating from the 20th anniversary meeting of the Dental Anthropology Association, this is a valuable reference source for graduate students, academic researchers and professionals in the social and life sciences, as well as clinicians.

Accessible and engaging, this is the definitive textbook on using teeth to study the demography and ways of life in ancient human communities. Based on extensive laboratory and field experience, this new edition combines archaeological approaches with new technologies and methodologies, covering the key advances in anatomy, forensics, 3D imaging, stable isotopes, and proteomics. Hillson provides a biological context for teeth, a guide on key skills, an introduction to current debates, and advice for the excavation, conservation and recording of dental remains. He also showcases the microscopic structure of dental tissues alongside methods of age-determination. Discover solutions to problems such as identifying worn, fragmentary human teeth or understanding their condition. This is the ideal reference for advanced courses in anthropology or archaeology, and for everyone interested in dental remains from archaeological sites, museum collections or forensic cases. Online teaching resources include videos of lectures and practicals.

Owing to their hardness, density and extreme durability in the burial matrix, human teeth offer investigators a remarkably complete biological and behavioral record of past and living populations. This volume chronicles the dramatic progress made in dental anthropology since the field was established in 1963. Covers a range of methodologies and addresses numerous research questions of current interest. Among the topics discussed are microwear, morphological variation, adontometrics, intentional and unintentional modification, age estimation, pathology, enamel defects, occlusal variation, growth and development.

A valuable guide to scoring crown and root traits in human dentitions for ancestry estimation and biodistance analysis.

Teeth are among the best sources of evidence for both identification purposes and studies of demography, biological relationships, and health in ancient human communities. The anthropologist's specimen may be a cast that a dentist has taken from a living mouth, or actual teeth from an archaeological site or forensic case. This text introduces the complex biology of teeth and provides a practical guide to all essential aspects of dental anthropology, including excavation, identification, microscopic study, and tooth age determination. Dental Anthropology is a concise yet comprehensive resource designed for students and researchers in anthropology and archaeology.