The use of working animals promoted radical shifts in human mobility,warfare,trade and interaction.Pathological changes in the skeletons provides one of the strongest direct lines of evidence for identifying working animals in the archaeological records.Over the past 60 years,extensive research has been conducted on this issue.In this paper,we summarize alterations on skeletal tissue caused by activities such as riding,traction and cargo.Such alterations include the lesions on the teeth and skulls caused by the use of bit,yoke or bridle,osteoarthritis of limb bones,riding-related spinal pathologies,and entheseal changes.In particular,we review the development history and cases of two pathology quantitative approaches.Finally,we propose the research results and limitations and how they can inspire our pathology research on animal power utilization in China,as well as the difficulties claiming much more attention in the future.
PaleopathologyAnimal Power UtilizationRidingDraught CattlePathology Quantitative Approach
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
