Fixed and Fluid: The Two Faces of Gender Roles-A Combined Study of Activity Patterns and Burial Practices in the European Neolithic.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study investigates gender roles in the European Neolithic by analyzing activity-related skeletal changes (ARSCs) and burial practices at two Polgár microregion sites in Hungary: Polgár-Ferenci-hát (5300-5070 cal. bce) and Polgár-Csőszhalom (4800-4650 cal. bce).

Materials and methods

A total of 125 well-preserved adult skeletons were included in the study. Types of ARSCs examined include spondylolysis (overall workload), humeral enthesopathies (unilateral upper-limb overuse), and metatarsal facets (habitual postures). Burial positions and grave goods were analyzed to assess sex-based differences in burial practices.

Results

Polgár-Ferenci-hát exhibited no clear differences in burial treatment between the sexes, while Polgár-Csőszhalom displayed marked s

SUBMITTER: Villotte S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12907785 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature