Excavation of a skeleton from Killanena, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. 02E1643

Seleton from Killanena

The remains were those of a female, aged between 30 years and 40 years at the time of death, 157cm in height. A number of interesting dental and skeletal pathological conditions were observed. Unusual wear patterns and chipping were present on the upper front teeth, suggesting damage acquired during work, such as weaving. Despite the relatively young age of this female a number of traumatic joint lesions were observed in the spine including degenerative joint diseases and a fracture of the fifth lumbar of the lower back Evidence of a torn hamstring muscle was evident on the left thigh bone. Unusual pathological lesions were observed on the backs of the knees.

The initial findings from the analysis of this individual are that she was engaged in a repetitive, strenuous, and heavy labour from a young age. Cartographic evidence indicated the dry-stone wall that over lay the burial was constructed sometime between the 1840s and the 1890s, suggesting the skeleton dates before this period. Analysis of the remains - particularly regarding the dental and skeletal pathological lesions - is ongoing at present and it is envisaged that a sample of the bone will be dated.

(posted first half 2003)