New research reveals surprising information

A recent study published in the International Journal of Paleopathology reveals a fascinating aspect of ancient Patagonian hunter-gatherer societies: their ability to care for the wounded and disabled. Researchers, led by Dr. Victoria Romanoexamined 189 individuals from the Late Holocene period (~4,000 to 250 BP) to explore how trauma affected social structures and caregiving practices in these non-sedentary groups.

Understanding trauma and healing in late Holocene Patagonia

Dr. Romano and his team analyzed 3,179 skeletal elements from 25 archaeological sites across Patagonia, focusing on bone trauma to assess how these early hunter-gatherers managed their injuries. The study found that about 20 percent of people experienced bone trauma, ranging from mild to severe. Notably, injury prevalence was similar in men and women, with adults experiencing more trauma than children.

The majority of these injuries were accidental, but some may have been the result of interpersonal violence. Dr. Romano emphasizes:

“Two injuries were potentially linked to violence, as they involved arrowheads embedded in the bone; but it is also possible that these individuals were hit accidentally.”

This observation opens the door to further research into the role of interpersonal conflict in injury patterns within early human societies.

Categories of care for injuries: mild, moderate and intensive

The study classified injuries into three levels of care: Mild, moderate and intensive. The Mild Care group represented injuries requiring limited attention, such as cranial and nasal fractures, that could heal within a few weeks. These injuries did not significantly disrupt daily activities, allowing individuals to continue to participate in their group’s hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

Wounds with moderate careincluding fractures of the arms or upper limbs, affected approximately 18% of cases. These injuries required longer healing, often up to five months, and would have had a more noticeable impact on daily life. For example, activities like tool production, butchery, and rock climbing would have been hindered. Intensive care injuries, which accounted for about 13% of cases, involved long-term or lifelong care, such as severe damage to the hip joint.

A case of serious injury and remarkable survival

One of the most striking cases in the study involved a hunter-gatherer who suffered a severe hip injury. Damage to the hip joint has led to misalignment between the thigh bone and the hip socket, likely due to a fall or a heavy object hitting the area. Even though the injury could have been caused by an illness like Legg-Calvé-Perthes diseasecomplete healing of the bone suggests that the person received extensive care for several years. This discovery highlights the existence of a network of care that goes beyond simple survival, highlighting a strong social support system within these communities.

Dr. Romano’s research is groundbreaking because it is the first population-level study to analyze caregiving in non-sedentary hunter-gatherer societies of Patagonia. His findings suggest that the need for mobility in these societies did not impede their ability to care for their injured members, an idea that could reshape our understanding of social structures in pre-agricultural societies.

Overview of interpersonal care in earlier periods

The study not only sheds light on the Late Holocene period, but also raises questions about earlier care practices in Patagonia. Dr. Romano says:

“Yes, some evidence suggests that interpersonal care was practiced in earlier periods of Patagonia. For example, a case of calcaneus injury dating to the Middle Holocene has been documented, which suggests that care was provided. However, there are no population-level studies in Argentina addressing care practices in earlier periods.”

This opens the door to further exploration of how care evolved within hunter-gatherer populations over time and whether similar practices were observed in other regions during earlier periods.

The evolution of caregiving in hunter-gatherer societies

Although this study offers groundbreaking insights into care practices of the hunter-gatherers of Patagonia, it also raises broader questions about the evolution of care in human societies. Early humans were mobile and their survival often depended on cooperation and mutual aid. This study shows that even in the most difficult environments, where mobility was essential, social groups found ways to support and care for their most vulnerable members. Understanding how these practices evolved can provide valuable lessons about the origins of human compassion and the social dynamics that shaped early communities.