During the VAPP Project, virtual and external datasets were collected and analyzed to address our research objectives. External morphology was examined using the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS) to categorize discrete crown and root traits, digital photography of occlusal surfaces to assess contour shape and cusp morphology, and standard dental metrics. MicroCT was used to construct virtual models of archaeological human teeth from Late Middle Pleistocene (Gruta da Aroeira), Upper Paleolithic (Galeria da Cisterna and Gruta da Caldeirão), Neolithic, and historic archaeological sites from Portugal. An additional virtual methodology—close-range photogrammetry—was also employed during the project as a means of sharing 3D models with realistic photographic textures in academic and public domains.
Virtual methodologies are not only powerful tools for examining biological variation but also provide a useful means of data visualization and dissemination. While microCT reconstruction provides internal and external morphological information, it does not provide realistic photographic textured surfaces. Likewise, access to microCT facilities is not always available to researchers. As such, the use of photogrammetry was explored during the project when microCT access was interrupted. The appeal of photogrammetry for virtual anthropology is its use of basic laboratory equipment (camera, tripod, turntable) and open-source software. The photogrammetry portion of this project not only provided valuable additions to a publication but was also a useful visual tool for disseminating results in public forums (e.g. blog posts and social media).
In addition to standard ASUDAS traits, supplemental traits were scored, and one trait was examined in greater detail: lateral incisor mesial bending. MicroCT investigation of the enamel-dentin junction of this trait is currently underway and an open-access virtual reference plaque is being created that can also be 3D printed to facilitate the documentation of this trait more widely.
Analysis of intra-site enamel-dentin junction morphology of the Tholos of Paimogo I is also underway. Previous ancient DNA and dental morphology analyses concentrated on inter-site variation and small samples, whereas the virtual analyses of enamel-dentin junction morphology will allow analyses of a large sample (~ 35 individuals based on upper right first molars). This has great potential for understanding the degree of biological heterogeneity (or lack thereof) within one of the largest Late Neolithic/Chalcolithic mortuary complexes in Portugal.
In addition to ongoing analyses and published results (Willman et al., 2021), the fellow participated in several conferences, co-hosted a successful virtual public lecture series (Encounters with Our Past: Seminars in Prehistory and Related Disciplines) and dental morphology workshop, and provided numerous virtual lectures and outreach events for international audiences.
Reference:
Willman, J. C., Valera, A. C., & Silva, A. M. (2021). The embodiment of craft production in Bronze Age Portugal: Exceptional dental wear grooves in an individual from Monte do Vale do Ouro 2 (Ferreira do Alentejo, Portugal). International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 31(2), 252-262. DOI: 10.1002/oa.2944
