Pages: 121-144

In this article we describe the human skeletal elements recently excavated from the site of Verteba Cave in Ukraine. A minimum of 21 individuals have been recovered since 2008. Through the study of these skeletal elements we can reconstruct aspects of Tripolye behavior and health. For example, bioarchaeological analysis of cranial trauma in the Verteba Cave sample demonstrates that the Cucuteni-Tripolye experienced significant lethal violence. Twelve of the 21 crania have perimortem depression fractures. Furthermore, skeletal markers of stress suggest that the Cucuteni-Tripolye experienced a rather high level of physiological perturbations. Specifically, the population from Verteba Cave has significantly shorter long bone lengths and significantly more enamel hypoplasias than earlier Mesolithic and Neolithic populations from Ukraine. This suggests that aspects of the Cucuteni-Tripolye sedentary agricultural lifestyle exposed them to more stressors than were experienced by earlier hunters and foragers.

Keywords: Ukraine, Eneolithic, Cucuteni-Tripolye culture, graves in caves, bioarchaeology, osteology.

Information about authors:

Jordan Karsten (Oshkosh, WI, USA). PhD. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Swart Hall 317, 800 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]
Mykhailo Sokhatskyi (Borshchiv, Ukraine). Master of Art. Borshchiv Regional Museum of Local Lore. Shevchenko St., 9, Borshchiv, 48702, Ternopil Region, Ukraine.
E-mail: [email protected]
Sarah Heins (Albany, NY, USA). Master of Art. New York State Museum. Washington Ave., 1400, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]
Gwyn D. Madden (Allendale, Michigan, USA). PhD. Grand Valley State University. 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI, 49401, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]