This study critically explores the role atmospheric experience could have for the livability of modernist architectural environment. Atmospheric experience and the wider domain of experiential...Show moreThis study critically explores the role atmospheric experience could have for the livability of modernist architectural environment. Atmospheric experience and the wider domain of experiential engagement with one’s (architectural) living environment have long been omitted from positivist discourse, heritage, and policymaking, despite its fundamental significance for human existence. Atmospheric experience is defined as the affective and embodied experience of a spatial environment which impacts subjective notions of wellbeing, a sense of belonging and meaning making. In turn, subjective wellbeing is a significant dimension of overall livability. In this study, New Phenomenology as defined by Schmitz (1999) and Sørensen (2015) informs the theoretical discussion and subsequent methodology and analysis. This study therefore seeks to contribute to a re-evaluation of phenomenology as a scientific approach with a significant contribution for understanding holistic experiential phenomena as part of human existence. This informs the conceptualization of a preliminary model of embodied significance of heritage (the affective judgement of embodied experience), which is tested on the empirical case of the modernist village Nagele, the Netherlands. Consequently, this study presents a new conceptual avenue for a more holistic approach of the value and significance of heritage, which considers atmospheric experience on equal footing regarding the dominant cultural-historical and socio-economic values of heritage in current policy and practice. Atmospheric experience is operationalized as neighborhood satisfaction in relation to subjective wellbeing. Insights from interviews, archive material and secondary literature demonstrated that the preliminary model could serve as a critical tool to incorporate and translate subjective, inter-subjective and shared experience in discussions regarding heritage value, wellbeing, and livability. It is argued that atmospheric value creates more sensitivity for the holistic nature and complex lifeworlds of dwellers of modernist heritage sites. A model is necessary to transpose phenomenologically informed findings and discussion to the (positivist) paradigm of policy and practice.Show less
This MA thesis focuses on ceramics from the Bronze and Iron Ages in the southern Netherlands (2000-12 BC) and their use for dating purposes. Researchers used to define and subsequently date types...Show moreThis MA thesis focuses on ceramics from the Bronze and Iron Ages in the southern Netherlands (2000-12 BC) and their use for dating purposes. Researchers used to define and subsequently date types on the basis of characteristics, which is known as a typo-chronology. Around the mid-20th century, absolute dating, and 14C dating in particular, was developed. The legacy of typo-chronology was kept alive, however, and only sporadically questioned by researchers that reverted to absolute dating. In many cases, this questioning was also carried out for narrower time periods. This thesis brings typo-chronologies and absolute dating together within the context of a wider time period, in order to discover the current status of research for this wider time period and to find out how/where research is currently lacking. This endeavour was started by initially compiling an overview of the applicable typo-chronologies considering a handful of variables relating to shape, decoration and material. Subsequently, a compilation of research was made that compares ceramics to absolute dating. Aside of this, a dataset of ceramic assemblages tied to absolute dating was created and discussed. The combined data was used for discussions and conclusions. Finally, the combined results were used to create a physical reference collection with a manual containing a lot of tables and imagery. The main conclusions are that some periods (e.g. Late Bronze Age) are typologically overshadowed by other periods (Iron Age). The vast amount of detail of the leading Iron Age typo-chronology generally causes researchers to make mistakes. Recommendations include paying more attention to some periods and types of ceramics in order to fill voids of knowledge created by focus and disregard. Better compilations and visualisations (e.g. 3D scans) of absolutely dated examples are also recommended.Show less
This MA thesis focuses on ceramics from the Bronze and Iron Ages in the southern Netherlands (2000-12 BC) and their use for dating purposes. Researchers used to define and subsequently date types...Show moreThis MA thesis focuses on ceramics from the Bronze and Iron Ages in the southern Netherlands (2000-12 BC) and their use for dating purposes. Researchers used to define and subsequently date types on the basis of characteristics, which is known as a typo-chronology. Around the mid-20th century, absolute dating, and 14C dating in particular, was developed. The legacy of typo-chronology was kept alive, however, and only sporadically questioned by researchers that reverted to absolute dating. In many cases, this questioning was also carried out for narrower time periods. This thesis brings typo-chronologies and absolute dating together within the context of a wider time period, in order to discover the current status of research for this wider time period and to find out how/where research is currently lacking. This endeavour was started by initially compiling an overview of the applicable typo-chronologies considering a handful of variables relating to shape, decoration and material. Subsequently, a compilation of research was made that compares ceramics to absolute dating. Aside of this, a dataset of ceramic assemblages tied to absolute dating was created and discussed. The combined data was used for discussions and conclusions. Finally, the combined results were used to create a physical reference collection with a manual containing a lot of tables and imagery. The main conclusions are that some periods (e.g. Late Bronze Age) are typologically overshadowed by other periods (Iron Age). The vast amount of detail of the leading Iron Age typo-chronology generally causes researchers to make mistakes. Recommendations include paying more attention to some periods and types of ceramics in order to fill voids of knowledge created by focus and disregard. Better compilations and visualisations (e.g. 3D scans) of absolutely dated examples are also recommended.Show less
A rare category of finds in Dutch archaeology is constituted by those originating from the Byzantine Empire. Located on the far end of Europe, this place will have only been known to most people in...Show moreA rare category of finds in Dutch archaeology is constituted by those originating from the Byzantine Empire. Located on the far end of Europe, this place will have only been known to most people in the Lower Countries through stories of lands far away. Regardless, there is quite some material that has been recognised as originating within the Byzantine borders, or which has otherwise travelled through it. This research aims to make a first inventory of these known finds and offer explanations on how these finds may have ended up where they did. It examines finds, primarily metal and glass that date between 450 and 1453- following roughly the end dates of the East and West Roman Empires. Studying these finds offers an insight in long distance trading networks that were operating within the designated period. The bulk of the material is dated within the Early Medieval period. A study of this Early Medieval material offers a chance to examine models of exchange of goods between elites and from these elites to their patrons. Attempts are made to explain the high presence of money in a Dark Age society which is regarded as having no coinage. The material that dates from the periods after the early Medieval period is hard to interpret, mostly because it is very sparingly and rare. The fact that Byzantine finds in the Netherlands are a new and unexplored frontier, becomes evermore apparent when studying these later periods. Future research into these materials by specialists is essential.Show less
This master thesis analyses a group of anonymous silver pennies commonly attributed to Frisia. These coins are characterized by find location and low weight of less than 0.5 grams. Due to the fact...Show moreThis master thesis analyses a group of anonymous silver pennies commonly attributed to Frisia. These coins are characterized by find location and low weight of less than 0.5 grams. Due to the fact that they lack comprehensible legends or bear ambiguous or degenerated ones it is difficult to date them or assign them to a known mint like Stavoren or Dokkum. Traditionally they have been separated into two groups: one showing a worldly ruler, and the other showing a cleric or bishop. Previous research has laid much emphasis on the deciphering of the legends, and discerned the name of a certain Otto on several types. However, while the “worldly” types appear to date slightly earlier, there appears to have been considerable overlap between the two. This indicates that the divide between the two types may not be as historically important as once thought. The fact that the name of this Otto appears in both groups argues against it being the name of the issuing authority at the time of striking. Important in researching this series of coins is the quick increase in reported finds. Metal detectors have become widely available to the general public, and databases such as NUMIS and PAN have been set up to register these new finds. The databases mentioned are freely accessible and have proven to be valuable tools in the field of archaeology and numismatics in particular. Newly discovered types and an increasing number of find locations provide relevant information for Dutch numismatists. Included in this thesis is an overview of the largest and most important hoards containing these anonymous Frisian pennies, as well as an overview of the various types considered “Frisian”. Of those types a database has been made containing over 250 individual pieces that have appeared in digitised public collections and databases, several private collections and certain European auctions. The find locations, weights and other characteristics of these examples have been noted down when available.Show less
The field of archaeology has been having a growing problem when it comes to dealing with our legacy data. The years of research have increased the amount latent data to a point where it has become...Show moreThe field of archaeology has been having a growing problem when it comes to dealing with our legacy data. The years of research have increased the amount latent data to a point where it has become an urgent problem to deal with. This research uses the F.A.I.R. guidelines that have been founded in order to help alleviate this problem. Specifically, this thesis looks at what step need to be made in order to make legacy data reusable. It does so by investigating on how to make legacy data findable, accessible, interoperable and lastly reusable. Every one of these principles deals with a core issue of keeping data useable, the findability of a legacy dataset can mostly be solved by adding it to an online repository, such large database structures house multiple sets of data in order to keep them available for further research. Important however is that the data is formatted correctly as the proper meta data is needed in order for it to me mapped to a functional ontology. The ontology as used by ARIADNE and designed by CIDOC helps interlink the individual datasets in order to create a web of semantically consistent information that can thus be found and accessed online. By mapping data into such an ontology, it becomes interoperable with other datasets as they have been awarded corresponding categories and data relations. These corresponding relations make it so that the data can be compared a used for further research. The process of creating sufficiently coherent and consistent sets of metadata for every dataset cost time. This is also not always possible, to improve the odd of integrating data into an ontology their complexity gets increased. Ontologies however get less user-friendly as the complexity rises leading to a similar issue of archaeologists using different repositories to store their data, or lead to archaeologists not storing their data at al. By balancing the complexity and user-friendliness while also educating archaeologists in the field it might be possible to prevent this issue. This is key as case studies in Europe have demonstrated the large sets of interlinked or joined legacy data can provide insight into already analyzed data, clear out existing biases when it comes to dealing with survey data, and individual-level spatial artefact distribution. The case provided by the thesis itself shows that applying these novel techniques is not always as straight forwards as theory often doesn’t work as intended in practice. No doubt the possibilities will grow as the field develops since linked data becomes more useful when more data is interlinked. The possibility of dealing with the huge amount of legacy data is available, now the only thing needed is investing into the tool needed.Show less
Background: Developments in serial sampling of dentine have expanded the intricacies in which scientists can understand more about diet, breastfeeding and weaning, and health and disease in the...Show moreBackground: Developments in serial sampling of dentine have expanded the intricacies in which scientists can understand more about diet, breastfeeding and weaning, and health and disease in the past. Interglobular dentine (IGD) is a proven proxy for assessing episodes of Vitamin D deficiency in an individual. Certain isotopes, Nitrogen (15N/14N) and Carbon (13C/12C), have been proven to show abnormal readings during these periods, particularly in times of stress. Aim: This pilot study will attempt to compare periods of Vitamin D deficiency found in these microsamples to Nitrogen (15N/14N) and Carbon (13C/12C) isotopic results to see if there is a correlation between periods of nutritional stress or dietary change, manifested as abnormal isotopic results, and periods of Vitamin D deficiency, exhibited as IGD. Subjects and Methods: Part one of this study will involve testing three different methodologies for micro-sampling of human tooth dentine. The second part of this study will examine four teeth, from two Dutch towns, Hattem and Beemster. The teeth all belong to adults of varied ages and sex. Each tooth will be sectioned horizontally, demineralised, and the collagen will be extracted. The stable isotope measurements of the dentine collagen will then be conducted via an isotope ratio mass spectrometer for final isotopic values. The results will then be compared to the periods of IGD reported by Veselka (2019) to see if there is a correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and abnormal isotopic results. Results and Conclusions: No significant correlation can be seen between the isotopic results and period of Vitamin D Deficiency in the four individuals that were examined. Possible issues that could contribute to the observed pattern include breastfeeding/weaning signals which may be obscuring periods of stress. Also, some of the micro-samples proved too small and were unsuccessful in producing any data at all.Show less
Balance weight metrology has been an interest of the archaeological community since the beginnings of the 19th century. In recent years new, quantitative methods have been used to further analyse...Show moreBalance weight metrology has been an interest of the archaeological community since the beginnings of the 19th century. In recent years new, quantitative methods have been used to further analyse balance weights. Despite this, the key questions of balance weight research have remained the same. Namely, how can past weight systems be identified by analysing balance weights and how did these weight systems change over time and space? In order to do this, the attribute mass has been exclusively considered. This raises the question whether analysing the morphology of balance weights can provide an alternative way to investigate past standards and metrological differences between sites. In this thesis I aim to answer these questions by analysing the shape of sphendonoid balance weights from seven Western Eurasian Bronze Age sites. Different methods are considered to gain further insight about these objects, ranging from basic shape factors, which solely rely on length and width values, to statistical characteristics, which are based on the digitised outlines of the balance weights. Furthermore, I also considered the attribute mass by carrying out the Cosine Quantogram Analysis; a method, which has proven successful in identifying past weight systems. This project introduces a novel approach to analyse balance weights, whereby morphological attributes are analysed contrasting previous studies focusing on mass. However, gaining access to morphological data on these objects has proven difficult and I propose that providing and sharing open data has much potential to increase the output of findings on this topic. With increasing access to data and alternative methods to investigate balance weights a wealth of new research questions can be considered within this field of study.Show less
Venus figurines have been the centre of androcentric interpretations since their discovery in the 19th century. In this thesis, Upper Palaeolithic Venus figurines, which mainly have been subjected...Show moreVenus figurines have been the centre of androcentric interpretations since their discovery in the 19th century. In this thesis, Upper Palaeolithic Venus figurines, which mainly have been subjected to a superficial view relating to sexual attractiveness and fertility, have been chosen to investigate. The concept of androcentrism has become a part of Western ideological structures, hence making it difficult to fully remove its effect on Palaeolithic archaeology and Venus figurines. Nevertheless, this bias will be uncovered and debated. Additionally, it is questioned why androcentric Venus hypotheses have been relatively static throughout time whilst alternative theories have been systematically overlooked. In the end, by means of incorporating and elaborating on alternative theories, this thesis tries to shed an original new light on an already saturated research field of the study of Venus figurines by applying and combining the archaeological, biological and psychological disciplines to diverge from its old androcentric interpretations.Show less
The history of domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and geese (Anser anser domesticus) remains poorly understood and retains many open questions. This circumstance makes it difficult to...Show moreThe history of domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and geese (Anser anser domesticus) remains poorly understood and retains many open questions. This circumstance makes it difficult to assess the role of wildfowling as well as the economic and social impact of the domestication of ducks and geese in different periods. The lack of data is mainly caused by the difficulty of identifying archaeological bones as domestic, due to the existing overlap between anatid species and domestic and wild forms. Different dates are given in academic literature for their adoption in the Netherlands, ranging from the Iron Age to the Early Middle Ages in the case of domestic geese, and from the Roman period to the Late Middle Ages in the case of domestic ducks. This thesis applies a new osteometrical methodology (Poland, 2018) that allows to identify domestic forms and distinguish between anatid species with more confidence. As a case study, four archaeological assemblages from the Zuid Holland province in the Netherlands are analysed, ranging from the Roman period to the 17th century AD: Voorburg-Arentsburg, Oegstgeest-Nieuw Rijngeest Zuid, Vlaardingen-Gat in de Markt and Rijswijk-Kerklaan 98. The new osteometrical methodology was highly successful in determining the variety of anatid species present in the four study cases. 53% of the analyzed elements were identified to the species level and 75% to at least the genus level, although the success varied according to the particular bone type and anatid group. Species diversity was much higher than expected in two of the sites (Oegstgeest and Rijswijk), and the analysis provided a more accurate quantification and species identification for the other two sites (Voorburg and Vlaardingen). It is determined that domestic geese were present in the Netherlands since at least 160-230 AD, and domestic ducks since at least 585-725 AD. The latter might also be present in the Roman assemblage, but the evidence is inconclusive. As of their economic role, domestic species constitute only a small percentage of the total consumed anatids and do not surpass 15-20% in any case. This is mainly caused by the weight of wildfowling in the Netherlands, concentrated during the winter season. Taphonomical analysis did not show substantial differences between the anthropic treatment of wild and domestic anatids. When compared to chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), these highly outnumber domestic geese and ducks since their remains usually constitute half of the birds in each assemblage. The economic role of chicken was therefore much higher and better established than that of geese and ducks. The sample size considered in this thesis is likely too small and biased to accurately detect any kind of evolution through time. In any case, no increase has been observed and the total percentages of domestic anatids seem to remain constant.Show less
In the last decades, a revolution has taken place regarding the role of the museum within our modern society. As a result, an increasing number of indigenous communities are becoming aware of their...Show moreIn the last decades, a revolution has taken place regarding the role of the museum within our modern society. As a result, an increasing number of indigenous communities are becoming aware of their material representation in museums and inaccuracies therein. In reaction, the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford decided to retrieve their ten tsantsas, or ‘shrunken heads’ from their museum display. After the removal, reactions on (social) media blew up with many comments criticising the museum’s judgements. This thesis has analysed comments from different (social) media platforms and specifically focussed on their sentiments. In doing so it has employed the Bull’s Eye Model, created to look at the sender, message and receiver within communication systems. This thesis has been observing the way popular culture has influenced the presentation of the Shuar culture and tsantsa ritual. A rubric has been designed that analysed the presentation and misinformation presented in films, novels, and games. Lastly, the original documentation of the tsantsas by their collectors has been analysed in comparison to accounts from present day Shuar. The decolonisation processes within museums like the Pitt Rivers shed light on a vital change within the museum world and the close collaboration with indigenous communities will prove to create better informed exhibitions and transfer of knowledge.Show less
This thesis describes and discusses the different archaeological channels that broadcast archaeological content on YouTube. Archaeological channels on the platform provide opportunities for...Show moreThis thesis describes and discusses the different archaeological channels that broadcast archaeological content on YouTube. Archaeological channels on the platform provide opportunities for practicing archaeological science communication and for interaction between archaeologists and the general public. For instance, the scientific YouTube channels Ant Lab and Archaeoduck are great examples of science communication on YouTube. The channel owners, entomologist Smith and archaeologists Duckworth demonstrate that scientific YouTube channels can make science more interesting for the general public and create a closer (and more personal) connection between the viewer and the scientist. Regardless, archaeological channels can also disseminate inaccurate information or incorrectly represent the archaeological discipline. It is therefore important for the archaeological discipline to understand the archaeological content that is currently available on YouTube. On the basis of former research within the field of archaeology and science communication, a data set of 80 different archaeological channels was produced and analysed in this thesis. The content analysis shows an extremely diverse set of archaeological channels that vary in subscriber size, content type, purpose, level of interaction, target audience, content producer, and reliability. Most archaeological channels from the data set provide accurate scientific information and are targeted towards enthusiasts of archaeology. However, apart from a few significant outliers, these scientific archaeological channels remain relatively small in subscriber count in comparison to the other non-scientific archaeological channels. Archaeological channels on YouTube mostly inform or educate their audiences. Yet, a combination of entertaining aspects and (scientific) information is an effective format for reaching larger audiences. Moreover, the content of archaeological channels is produced by individuals, archaeological organisations/institutions, and larger television/documentary networks. Also the level of interaction between channels and viewers varies significantly per channel and suggest that the three main models of science communication (deficit model, dialogue model, and participation model) are each represented on YouTube independently.Show less
This study examines the experiences of young people before, during and after visiting ‘open-air archaeological heritage sites’ located in The Netherlands. In the context of ‘vergrijzende’ (the...Show moreThis study examines the experiences of young people before, during and after visiting ‘open-air archaeological heritage sites’ located in The Netherlands. In the context of ‘vergrijzende’ (the ongoing process in which the population consists of relatively less young than older individuals) heritage communities, this underexplored subject is conceptualized as providing benefits to both young individuals and the societies they are a part of. Literature by Laurajane Smith is used to define ‘heritage’, while the theory of phenomenology is employed to construct the methodology. One-on- one semi-structured interviewing forms the core of the research, being supplemented by visual analysis of material produced by the respondents. The results show defined experiences relating to three chronological phases (before, during and after a visit), as insight is gained in the conceptualizations, interpretations and values related to open-air archaeological heritage sites. A subject definition from the perspective of the respondents will be provided, including recommendations for future research. This study provides insight into one aspect of the issue of ‘vergrijzing’, as expectations, experiences and outcomes of the respondents are presented.Show less
This Graduation Project revolves around the real caste study and co-creation project Berk&Hout which is situated on the boundary of the municipalities Tilburg and Udenhout (the Netherlands). An...Show moreThis Graduation Project revolves around the real caste study and co-creation project Berk&Hout which is situated on the boundary of the municipalities Tilburg and Udenhout (the Netherlands). An important element in the development of this new residential area was the excavation of a Late Bronze Age/ Early Iron Age urnfield together with settlement traces from the Bronze Age and Roman Period. The aim of this paper was to explore the possibilities of co-creation projects for archaeological research, especially for its public outreach including citizen participation. Co-creation is an upcoming concept in the field of public archaeology, a branch of archaeology that concerns itself with the interaction between the archaeological research and the public. The intention of co-creation is to create an environment in which all stakeholders of a project work together to define the goals of a project, create the plan and make joint decisions. In order for co-creation to become increasingly prevalent in the field of archaeology, the establishment of two treaties by the Council of Europe were necessary. It started with the implementation of the Malta convention (1992), which ensured conservation and protection of the archaeological heritage and with that the role of the archaeologists in society and within (development) projects. At the same time, with the Malta convention the importance of the accessibility of heritage and the role of public awareness was considered. In the Faro convention (2005) the focus on participation in cultural heritage was developed even further. The framework aided the shift in focus from how Europe’s heritage should be protected to why heritage should be accorded value. Its intention was to change the role of the public in assigning value to heritage and emphasizes that heritage should not just be defined by the heritage professionals: the democratization of heritage. It was an important step in order to facilitate co-creation projects because of a shift in the agency, the valorisation and inclusiveness of cultural heritage. The Faro convention also mentions the potential of heritage as resource for sustainable development and ability to enhance the quality of life through placemaking and creation of communities. Five case studies from Netherlands and its neighbouring countries demonstrated the potential that archaeology has in co-creation projects when designing with archaeology is used. Based on the master plan of Berk&Hout, the scientific results of the archaeological research and the stakeholder analysis, it was decided to physically implement the archaeological heritage in the landscape of Berk&Hout through designing with archaeology. Three designs were suggested that were themed around several steps from the ladder of citizen participation; information, concertation and co-creation. This research by design made apparent the possibilities and challenges that designing with archaeology offers for the field of archaeology and heritage within co-creation projects. It is a permanent and sustainable way to physically represent the heritage of a place. With active involvement of the stakeholders it can lead to community building and enhance the quality of life for an area. Co-creation and ‘designing with archaeology’ can transform the space of the development project Berk&Hout into a place again: from cremation to co-creation.Show less
A preliminary investigation in the milestones found in the Roman provinces of Germania Inferior, Germania Superior and Belgica. In this thesis the milestones of these provinces have been submitted...Show moreA preliminary investigation in the milestones found in the Roman provinces of Germania Inferior, Germania Superior and Belgica. In this thesis the milestones of these provinces have been submitted to both a quantitative and a qualitative investigation. By doing so the author hoped to determine whether any pattern could be found in road building processes. Milestones were used for this as accurately date roadworks processes.Show less
As individuals living in a society, our activities, diet, and health are influenced by our socioeconomic position in said society. This amongst others means that our socioeconomic standings play a...Show moreAs individuals living in a society, our activities, diet, and health are influenced by our socioeconomic position in said society. This amongst others means that our socioeconomic standings play a large part in our social and bodily experience, therefore also in the level and kind of labour we are involved in. Labour is often highly routinised, as certain actions and movements are performed day in day out. Therefore, labour is an important aspect of ones ‘lived experience’. Osteoarthritis, a condition causing the degeneration of synovial joints and surrounding soft tissue, is the most prevalent disease in past and current societies. It is also the most frequently used marker for establishing and examining activity patterns within archaeological populations. The aim of this study is to figure out how differences in socioeconomic status and strenuous labour are embodied in a post medieval Dutch city. In order to answer this, this study analyses the severity and prevalence of osteoarthritis in two skeletal population samples of different socioeconomic status from the same city, Eindhoven. The individuals of high status were buried inside of the St. Catharinakerk, while the low status individuals were buried in the cemetery outside of this church. The high status sample consists of 13 adult individuals and the low status sample consists of 52 adult individuals. In total 40 skeletal elements have been analysed per studied individual, 20 on the left side and 20 on the right side, by using the method proposed by Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994). Following this, the scores resulting from the study of the skeletal remains were statistically analysed using ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance). This allows to control the sample population for a covariant, in this research age-at-death was controlled for. The statistical analysis showed that the low socioeconomic status individuals were significantly more affected by osteoarthritis in the acromial end of the left clavicle and right humeral head, while the high socioeconomic status individuals were significantly more affected in the distal radii and both left and right scaphoid. The most likely explanation for this is that the low and high socioeconomic status populations engaged in different types of activities. The low socioeconomic status individuals would have likely been subjected to repetitive and strenuous activities involving the shoulder such as lifting, pulling, holding, and carrying heavy objects. Yet, while the high socioeconomic status individuals of Eindhoven probably did not engage in the same repetitive and strenuous activities as the low socioeconomic status individuals, the prevalence and severity of osteoarthritis in the wrist does indicate that they too did experience strain on joints. This would have most likely been caused by the amount of writing the high socioeconomic status individuals had to withstand. Hence, this study concludes that osteoarthritis and thus strenuous labour is embodied differently among the high and low socioeconomic status populations of post-medieval Eindhoven.Show less
