Centre for Human Bioarchaeology

Curation and Continued Research of Human Remains

Jelena Bekvalac

Centre for Human Bioarchaeology (CHB)• Established 2003 - Wellcome funding• Curation of c.17,000 stratified human skeletal remains• Roman, Medieval & Post Medieval • 2,000 years of London’s history & development• Unique insight into population of London• Excavations City of London & Greater London• On-line 2007- Widen access to collection • Generate public awareness around Human skeletal

research

THE W.O.R.D DATABASE

• The Wellcome Osteological Research Database - W.OR.D Database is an Oracle database

• Implemented by Brian Connell and Peter Rauxloh as a rapid method of recording

• Valuable Research Engine-Input and Output of data• Standardised information for each recorded skeleton • Extraction of data can relate either only to the

skeletal material or linked with the archaeology-London Archaeological Archive Resource Centre (LAARC)

Role of the Centre• Curation• Collection care • Documentation• Enable access to

collections• Encourage & assist

student research• Promote multi disciplinary

research • Collaboration and

comparison• Conferences• Publications

• Teaching courses for public

• Outreach events – open days

• Volunteers• Study days• Exhibitions

Skeletons –Wellcome exhibition

British Dental Association Museum

Exhibitions

MIN86 11090, St Mary Graces

Wellcome Collection image from the exhibition London's Buried Bones

Access to collections

•On line data downloadable

•Research bench spaces in CHB

•Application process

•National and International access

•Link to LAARC records

•Outreach public events

Benefits of On Line DatabaseDatabase• Standardised recording• Acts as conservation

tool• Downloadable

information on line• Large quantative source

for statistical analysis• Record of sampling

Website• Comparative sites

available in summarises and raw format

• Previous research• Linked sources –

archaeological, historical documentary

Where are the skeletons from?Building developments

Inhumations/Cremations

Truncation from reuse of grave

Mass burials

Monastic cemeteries

Parish cemeteries

Paupers cemeteries

Hospital cemeteries

Photos by Museum of London Archaeology

Preservation and completeness

Nails

Hair

Dentures

Truncation/dissection

Foetus

Gallstone??

Curation and storage

Conservation standard packing of human skeletal remains

Rotunda store

Collection care – Destructive Sampling

•Maintaining integrity of skeletal collections

•Long term survival of collections

•Advancement in techniques

•New research

•Application process for proposals specifically for destructive sampling

•Collective decision – Human Remains Committee

SB79 87

What can we learn from the skeletons?

• Indicators of health & diet

• Diseases affecting the bones

• Dental disease

• Metrics e.g. stature

• Indicators of lifestyle & environment

• Chemical analysis of teeth & bones – ancient DNA, stable isotopes, protein analysis

William Wood – Chelsea Old Church (Butcher & Beadle)

Edentulous

DISH Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis - Fusion of the spine – right side - “Candle wax”

Types of Research• Medical• Social• Forensic• Scientific –

sampling• Disease specific• Comparative

studies – other time periods, locations

• Interpretive• Dissemination of

information in publications - journals/books

Future

• Continued dissemination & accessibility

• Assist making research approachable & accessible

• Open up database further/encourage standardised recording

• Use as a dynamic tool for research

• Qualitative research & collaboration

• Archive assemblages for other units

• Retain assemblages (if possible) -Virtual collections-record even if reburied for demographic comparison

• Reburial pressure liaison with institutes at early stage for research

• Other skeletal collections available on line

• Outreach