Bear phalanx traumatically introduced into a living human: Prehistoric evidence

Traumatically induced skeletal injuries are common and can be ascribed to a normal range of events occurring in an individual's lifetime. A subset of these trauma-induced injuries provides enhanced insight into cultural history. Such cases might include those referable to medico-surgical and religious/ritualistic practices. We describe prehistoric evidence and cultural implications of the traumatic insertion of an Ursus manual phalanx into the elbow of a living human. The injury healed and the phalanx remained in situ until death.The individual derives from the Ellis Landing shellmound and dates to a subphase of the Middle Period (≈500BC–300AD) in the California cultural sequence. The remains are of a 30–40 year-old female. Comparative data on arm morphology and pathological conditions present were collected (n = 159). Three Ursus subspecies (n = 15) were examined to identify the taxon represented by the phalanx.The described individual was probably wearing bear paw ornaments at the time she was crushed by a heavy object. During this event, a bear claw was driven into her cubital fossa, the basal phalangeal tubercle being impressed into the humerus. The wound healed completely. The presence of Ursus body parts indicates an elevated societal role for this female; most likely she was a shaman or healer.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A bear claw was introduced into the arm of a living female in prehistoric California. ► The claw remained in situ and resulted in pathologically induced loss of function. ► Bears have a profound spiritual role in Native American cultures. ► Few societal roles open to females would have allowed an association with bears. ► The co-occurrence of a female and bear claws suggests she was a shaman or healer.