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External Auditory Exostoses in Neolithic Human Skeletal Remains from the Janghang Site, Gadeok Island, Busan: A Paleopathological Study

  • Anatomy & Biological Anthropology
  • Abbr : Anat Biol Anthropol
  • 2026, 39(3), pp.241~249
  • DOI : 10.11637/aba.2026.39.3.241
  • Publisher : 대한체질인류학회
  • Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > Anatomy
  • Received : August 25, 2026
  • Accepted : September 29, 2026
  • Published : June 30, 2026

lee seong mi ORD ID 1,  U Young Lee ORD ID 2

1국가유산청 국립가야문화유산연구소
2가톨릭대학교 의과대학 해부학교실

Accredited

ABSTRACT

External auditory exostoses (EAE) are benign osteogenic lesions of the external auditory canal that are known to be closely associated with repeated exposure to cold water and aquatic activities. In archaeology, EAE have been widely used as bioarchaeological indicators for reconstructing marine activities and subsistence strategies in past populations; however, paleopathological studies focusing on their impact on individual health and function remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of EAE in Neolithic human skeletal remains excavated from the Janghang site on Gadeok Island, Busan, and to evaluate lesion severity in order to assess the health burden experienced by this population. A total of 48 individuals were examined, among which 18 individuals with observable external auditory canals were analyzed through macroscopic examination and digital microscopy. The presence and anatomical distribution of EAE were recorded, and lesion severity was classified into four grades (Grade 0~3) according to the degree of canal obstruction. EAE were identified in 11 of the 18 observable individuals (61.1%), with lesions occurring most frequently on the superior and posterior walls of the external auditory canal. In addition, severe Grade 3 lesions were observed in several individuals, suggesting the possibility of functional impairments such as recurrent otitis externa and hearing loss. These findings indicate that the Janghang population experienced prolonged exposure to marine environments and cold-water activities and suggest that EAE may serve not only as indicators of marine activities but also as paleopathological markers reflecting the health and functional burdens experienced by Neolithic coastal populations.

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