Radini Anita, Nikita Efthymia
BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, The University of York, Wentworth Way, York, UK.
York JEOL Nanocentre, The University of York, Science Park, York, UK.
Quat Int. 2023 Apr 20;653-654:3-18. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2022.03.003.
The study of ancient human dental calculus (mineralized dental plaque, also known as tartar) is becoming increasingly important in osteoarchaeology, human palaeoecology and environmental archaeology. Microremains of different origin (e.g. starch granules, pollen, phytoliths, feather barbules) as well as biomolecules and chemical compounds retrieved from its mineral matrix may represent an important link between past humans and their physical, biological and social environment, but they are rarely fully linked to the evidence from skeletal remains. This paper critically reviews the lines of evidence retrieved from dental calculus in relation to osteoarchaeological parameters, employing macroscopic, microscopic and biomolecular approaches, assessing synergy potential and limitations. The scope of this paper is also to contribute to the building of a much needed theoretical framework in this emerging subfield.
对古代人类牙结石（矿化牙菌斑，也称为牙垢）的研究在骨考古学、人类古生态学和环境考古学中变得越来越重要。从牙结石的矿物基质中获取的不同来源的微观遗迹（如淀粉颗粒、花粉、植硅体、羽毛小羽枝）以及生物分子和化合物，可能代表了过去人类与其物理、生物和社会环境之间的重要联系，但它们很少与骨骼遗骸的证据完全联系起来。本文批判性地回顾了通过宏观、微观和生物分子方法从牙结石中获取的与骨考古学参数相关的证据线索，评估了协同潜力和局限性。本文的范围还在于为这一新兴子领域构建一个急需的理论框架做出贡献。
