The embodiment of status in the Mississippian component of the Perry site (1Lu25)

This thesis assesses the ways in which social status was embodied by the Mississippian period occupants of the Perry site (1LU25). Status, as indicated by various facets of mortuary goods, is examined alongside a suite of skeletal indicators of behavior including: linear enamel hypoplasia, stature, cribra orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, dental caries, tibial periostitis, entheseal changes, degenerative joint disease, traumatic injuries, and cranial modification. In most cases there is no relationship between mortuary goods and skeletal indicators; however, dental caries and cranial modification do present significant statistical relationships with mortuary goods. These results suggest that Mississippian period occupants of the Perry site participated in a hierarchical socio-political organization that was embodied via daily practices. (Published By University of Alabama Libraries