Construction of Medieval Skeleton Collections with Human Remains from Tombs of Goryeo Dynasty, Korea.
10.11637/kjpa.2010.23.3.113
- Author:
Yi Suk KIM
1
;
Chang Seok OH
;
Sang Jun LEE
;
Myeung Ju KIM
;
Seung Gyu CHOI
;
So Ri MIN
;
Na Li LEE
;
Mun Sik HA
;
Gi Dae BOK
;
Dong Hoon SHIN
Author Information
1. Department of Anatomy, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Physical anthropology;
Goryeo dynasty;
Archaeology;
Skeleton collection;
Type of tomb
- MeSH:
Anthropology, Physical;
Archaeology;
Funeral Rites;
Humans;
Korea;
Skeleton
- From:Korean Journal of Physical Anthropology
2010;23(3):113-123
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Skeletal remains collected from the archaeological fields must be maintained carefully, for being used in scientific studies on the physical characteristics, health status, and pathological disease of the ancient or medieval human populations. Even if Joseon Dynasty Human Sample Collection might be a good example for such studies, few of bone collections predated the Joseon Age (e.g. Goryeo Dynasty) have been established until now, possibly owing to poor preservation condition of archaeological sites in Korea. In this study, we performed anthropological studies on a few cases of Goryeo skeletons, which have been rarely reported by anthropologists in Korea. Judging from the preservation status of bones found in various types of Goryeo graves (e.g. earthen- or stone-chambered tombs), many cases seem to be cremated in accordance with Buddhist funeral rites. Goryeo bone collections must be constructed with the bones identified in the earthen tombs, which were preserved much perfectly than those of any other types of Goryeo tombs.
