The old cemetery of the Salesian Mission, Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego: a taphonomic approach

Abstract

This paper presents a first taphonomic analysis of the cemetery from the old Salesian Mission ‘La Candelaria’ in Tierra del Fuego. Post-depositional indicators surveyed in nine burials showed relatively small variability between individuals. The variables with the highest incidence were: bone integrity, bone loss, preservation and root action. Other variables such as differential staining, presence of fungi, fractures and adhesions affected to a lesser extent. Finally, marks from rodents and carnivores were not present. Furthermore, the general conditions of the remains were analyzed to allow surveying for nutritional, metabolic and infectious diseases. Specifically, indicators most likely to be observed are: porotic hyperostosis and rib periosteal reaction (in 89% of cases), cribra orbitalia (78 % of cases) and appendicular periosteal reaction (56 % of cases). Bone loss is the post-depositional variable that affected the sample the most. The pH obtained on sediment samples showed values near neutrality. Finally, sex of individuals, spatial location or depth of burial did not produce variation in the preservation of the remains.