Dr Angela Boyle (seen here with Memory McDonald) has been hard at work cleaning the Lismore bones and making the first detailed examinations. Here is a preliminary report from her on skeleton 11 (a mature male in the age range 36-45, who must have had a very painful life). These are very early days, but the results give a tantalising glimpse of what we will learn over the coming months.
“Washing and analysis of the skeletons from the 2021 excavation season is ongoing. To date, the most common conditions identified are dental disease and joint disease. Skeleton 11, a mature adult male suffered from joint disease which affected his spine (Plate 1) and all the major joints as well as the ‘big toe’ (Plate 2). He would have experienced considerable discomfort as a result of dental disease. Evidence of receding gums, advanced dental decay and two abscesses (Plates 3-4) have been identified, alongside calcified dental plaque (calculus). Evidence of probable iron deficiency anaemia is also present.”
Plates 1 to 4 of Lismore Skeleton recovered in September 2021 here
Plate 1
Plate 2
Plate 3
Plate 4