A case of disability and care during Inca times

Area of Science:

• Paleopathology
• Bioarchaeology
• Socio-cultural Anthropology

Background:

• Investigating pathological lesions to understand past cultural caregiving patterns.
• Examining a Late Horizon (1400-1550 CE) female skeleton from Copiapó Valley, Chile.

Observation:

• Skeleton aged 45+ years showed severe, widespread joint alterations.
• Visual analysis and paleopathological diagnosis were employed.

Findings:

• Polyarticular arthritic condition, likely spondyloarthritis, affected spine, sacrum, hands, knees, and feet.
• The individual showed no burial distinctions, suggesting integration within the community.

Implications:

• Provides evidence of pre-colonial spondyloarthritis in South America, causing mobility limitations.
• Demonstrates caregiving practices in Copiapó society, supporting individuals with chronic disease despite societal changes.