Dental Analysis of Prehistoric Populations in Coastal Ecuador

This thesis compares the human dentition of three coastal populations in Salango, Ecuador, dating to Late Guangala (Site 141C: 100 B.C. – A.D. 800), Early Manteño (Site 35: A.D. 645 +/- 45 and A.D. 430), and Late Manteño (Site 140: A.D. 1300 – 1600). The human remains in Sites 141C and 140 have not been previously analyzed and provide new information about coastal Ecuador in the form of statistical analysis and osteobiographies. Dental pathologies such as caries, abscesses, calculus, hypoplasia, as well as dental wear patterns indicate subsistence, or diet, behavioral and cultural practices, and early childhood development. The data suggests that agriculture became more intensively practiced during Site 35’s occupation, whereas Site 141C preferred fishing, and Site 140 used both methods in a simultaneous manner where neither dominated. Further, the disruption in childhood development is statistically significant during Site 140’s occupation, suggesting these individuals were heavily affected by climate, Spanish colonization and subsequent disease, social struggles, and/or dietary deficiency.