Osteoware

The Inventory Module is composed of four data entry pages: Cranium (open by default), Axial Skeleton, Appendicular Skeleton, and Hands and Feet. Nearly all bones in the human skeleton are listed in these data entry pages and each listed bone has an associated blank/empty box when a record is opened for the first time. The Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) Standards inventory codes are implemented:

1=Complete; cortex intact (at least 75% of the bone is present)

2=Partial or Damaged (25 - 75% of the bone is present)

3=Fragmentary or badly eroded (less than 25% is present)

BLANK=Missing

The Age and Sex module contains entry points for an array of subadult and adult age at death and sex estimation observations organized into four data entry screens. Each screen contains check boxes or blank fields to prompt the user to enter data when preservation allows; leaving a data field empty indicates the trait is not observable. Expansion beyond the Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) Standards, such as sternal rib end morphology (Iscan et al., 1984; 1985), are provided to improve overall data coverage.

Please note that subadult osteometrics used in age estimation are recorded in the Postcranial Metrics module, and dental development is recorded in the Dental Inventory/Development/Pathology module. Age-related degenerative change (e.g. arthritis and osteoporosis) is recorded in the Pathology module. A large text field is provided for entering detailed comments on these additional observations, as well as the rational for the final age and sex estimation.

Peri- and postmortem events and processes, such as surface exposure, animal activity, and cultural behavior (intentional disarticulation, cremation, et cetera), may be inferred through the careful observation of bone surface characteristics. The Taphonomy module provides check boxes and radio buttons for a variety of taphonomic variables to prompt the observer to conduct a comprehensive visual documentation of skeletal remains.

• Check boxes and radio buttons prompt standardized data entry.
• Bone weathering stages appear in the 'Help' menu window.
• Detailed observations are entered into the Comments text field, with spell-checker.

With the exception of dental morphology, all dental observations are recorded in this module which follows the recommendations found in  the Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) Standards, except for molar occlusal wear which follows the system of Smith (1984).

• Handles all dental inventory, development, wear, and pathology observations with contextual menus.
• Separate deciduous and permanent dentition data entry screens that easily toggle with a click.
• A tooth scored as ‘Missing’ will auto-fill all subsequent data fields as ‘Not Observable’ when appropriate.
• Error windows appear when inappropriate data is entered for a given tooth inventory score.
• Additional auto-fill buttons for ‘Fully Developed’ and ‘Healthy’ dentition.
• Press Help to view visual guides of dental standards.

The analysis of dental morphological trait variation may be used to infer past population history. Like cranial nonmetric traits, dental variants cannot be measured but are scored according to the degree of expression. The Dental Morphology module allows fast and accurate recording of data using the trait list and protocol presented in the Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) Standards, which is a subset of the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS, Turner et al., 1991).

• One data entry screen streamlines accurate documentation.
• Contextually driven scoring boxes and trait category definitions.
• Comments field available for qualitative descriptions.

The Dental Morphology module consists of a single data entry screen with the maxillary and mandibular traits listed on the right side, and a dental arcade with contextually driven scoring boxes and trait descriptions on the left side. Selecting a trait on the right side provides ‘Help’ text and data entry boxes for each relevant tooth.

While text descriptions and images of the reference plaques appear in the published literature (e.g. Hillson 1996), scoring dental traits from the original plaques is highly recommended. See the Dental Anthropology Association website for information on acquiring an ASUDAS dental plaque set.

The Postcranial Metrics module includes data entry fields for all osteometric measurements described in the Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) Standards, but also provides several expanded features. These additions include a toggle feature to allow users to record measurements for both the left and right side of paired bones, as well as extra measurements for the scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, ankle height, as well as special accessory windows for anterior vertebral body heights, and metacarpal and metatarsal lengths.

A Comments field is provided to enter special notes on the metric analysis, such as any estimated measurements and their values; however we recommend that no estimated measurements be entered into the regular data entry fields for that measurement.

Quantitative variation in skeletal morphology results from genetic and environmental differences between populations. The metric assessment of cranial and postcranial morphological variation has a deep history within physical anthropology research precisely because past population history, such as gene flow and genetic drift, may be reflected in these measurements.

• Intuitive data entry interface facilitates craniometric documentation.
• Both caliper and digital data capture is supported for up to 60 cranial measurements.
• Data stored using Howells three-letter designations.
• Multiple data capture events per cranium.
• Easily identify crania with cultural reshaping/modification in the database.
• Comments field available to document data capture caveats, such as preservation quality.

The Craniometrics module facilitates the capture of quantitative data through an intuitive and flexible data entry interface that supports manual caliper-based techniques (data entry by hand) as well as digital capture of three-dimensional coordinate landmark data and calculation of craniometrics via the 3Skull program.  The linear data can be then be used in FORDISC or CranID for probability of ancestry assessments or other morphometric analyses.

Cranial nonmetric traits, sometimes called epigenetic or quasi-continuous traits, are often used in hypothesis tests involving the population history from past peoples. The Cranial Nonmetric Traits module prompts users to collect 62 of these traits (both sides and midline) in a systematic fashion through the use of drop-down menus allowing only one data entry selection to be made.

• 62 traits may be scored from right, left, and midline aspects
• Entry screens and drop-down menus promote systematic data collection
• Large text field to accommodate qualitative observations

The module consists of five data entry screens: Facial, Lateral, Basilar, Mandibular, and Comments. This layout reflects the organization presented by Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) and Hauser and De Stefano (1989), though there are some departures from the traits listed in the latter reference. On occasion traits may display variations not present or described in any standard; in such cases a large text field for Comments is provided. You may also use the comments field to record unusual traits on different catkey numbers within the same data subset/skeletal series that may indicate biological relationships.

The estimation of peer-perceived ancestry is part of the biological profile constructed from human skeletal remains. Traditionally this was accomplished through visual inspection of certain morphological nonmetric variants of the skull (morphoscopics), primarily the facial region and in particular the nasal aperture elements and surrounding structures. However, the need to maintain a consistent scoring scheme between observers, and thus reduce subjectivity, lead Hefner (2009) to define and improve standards for many of these variants.

• Easily collect macromorphoscopic data relevant for estimating ancestry
• Sixteen well defined traits are available with multiple character states
• Each character state has individual description and detailed illustrations

Detailed descriptions and dozens of illustrations in the module provide invaluable assistance on scoring each of the 16 traits listed in Hefner (2009). Each trait definition is provided along with individual character states and line drawings.  The Macromorphoscopics website has additional resources and links to request data.

The Cranial Modification/Deformation module assists in the documentation of intentional and unintentional changes in head shape caused by the application of external pressure to the cranium during infancy. The two basic forms of intentional cranial deformation are tabular and circumferential. Tabular modifications include the posterior flattening associated with cradleboarding and the fronto-occipital forms resulting from tying bags, stones, planks or other devices across the forehead and occiput. Circumferential (annular) modification is produced through the winding of textiles or other pliant materials around the head.

• Data entry based on the Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) Standards extended recording form (Attachment 28)
• Separate scoring for anterior and posterior aspects captures complex forms of deformation
• The searchable comments field enables data collection using any classification system

The module contains three data entry screens. The Posterior and Anterior screens document overall shape descriptions and the presence of impressions from the deforming apparatus. Some Osteoware contributors have questioned the validity of interpreting various depressions in the modified cranium as directly resulting from the deforming apparatus. While we have retained this protocol from the Standards, we suggest this data be interpreted with caution.

The Pathology module organization is a modification of the Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994) Standards, and consists primarily of expansions in the descriptive categories scored. It is recommended that users download and review Volume II of the Osteoware manual before beginning data entry. Users also need to consult some of the excellent resources available on paleopathology if any of the conditions scored in Osteoware are unfamiliar.

In documenting pathological lesions, it is recommended that the text description field be utilized extensively to record more detailed descriptions, lesion measurements, and supplemental information such as differential diagnoses and supporting references. Because the description field is searchable, this will facilitate analysis and/or later identification of specific conditions recorded in your Osteoware database.

By clicking the ‘Add comments from’ import buttons, you can transfer comments text fields directly from other modules into the Summary Paragraph module. The text may then be copy and pasted to rearrange and compose a summary report for that catalog (catkey) number. The unlimited text field also has a spellcheck feature that allows you to add terms to build your own custom dictionary.

• Easily transfer text fields directly from other modules via ‘Add comments’ import buttons
• Copy and paste to rearrange and compose a report for that catkey number
• Unlimited text field has handy spellcheck feature with customizable dictionary

Structured Query Language (SQL) Queries

The Summary Paragraph module, and the individual catkey reports it creates, are currently the only way to generate reports through the Osteoware graphic user interface (GUI). In order to efficiently extract other aggregate data from the Structured Query Language (SQL) database you must install the database management software (DBMS) Advantage Data Architect 9.1, which is available as a freeware download from Sybase (see the Osteoware Software Downloads section), and use the SQL query features. It is beyond the scope of this website to provide a comprehensive SQL resource, however, do not be intimidated. SQL is very easy to learn and is a powerful skill to possess.

• Osteoware Software Download 240-37
• Osteoware Installation Instructions and Software Support Guides (PDF)
• Advantage Data Architect 9.1