Paleopathology: Sabre-leaf tibiae, a case of osteomalacia in a skeleton from the Muisca necropolis of Usme

Abstract

Purpose: To present the case of an adult male Muisca skeleton found in the necropolis of Hacienda El Carmen, located in the Archaeological Park and Cultural Heritage of Usme, affected by osteomalacia, a vitamin D-dependent disease that develops in adulthood. The pathology is analyzed within the historical and cultural context of the Muisca society, considering its potential causes.

Content: The study describes a male individual aged between 25 and 30 years, with a height of 170 cm, significantly above the average height of the Muisca population of the time. The skeleton exhibits sabre-shaped tibias, and the diagnosis of osteomalacia was confirmed through macroscopic and imaging examinations after ruling out periostitis in the long bones and skull. Potential causes identified include prolonged limited exposure to sunlight and a diet deficient in calcium and phosphorus, conditions that likely contributed to the development of this disease.

Contributions: The case is linked to the cultural practices of the Muisca people, suggesting that the individual might have been a shaman, as these figures performed nocturnal activities and followed regimens that restricted prolonged sun exposure. Furthermore, the analysis contributes to the field of paleopathology by providing a detailed study of a rare disease in ancient populations, enriching the understanding of the living conditions and cultural practices of the Muisca society.