Two hominin incisor teeth from the middle Pleistocene site of Boxgrove, Sussex, England.

In 1995-1996 two isolated hominin lower incisors were found at the middle Pleistocene site of Boxgrove in England, with Lower Palaeolithic archaeology. Boxgrove 2 is a permanent lower right central incisor and Boxgrove 3 a permanent lower left lateral incisor. They were found separately, but close to one another and appear to belong to the same individual. The Boxgrove 1 tibia discovered in 1993 came from a different stratigraphic context and is thus believed to represent a different individual. This paper describes the morphology of the incisors, which is similar to other middle Pleistocene hominin specimens and, as with the tibia, suggests that they could be assigned to Homo heidelbergensis (recognising that the taxonomic status of this species is still a matter of debate). The incisors show substantial attrition associated with secondary dentine deposition in the pulp chamber and clearly represent an adult. They also show extensive patterns of non-masticatory scratches on the labial surfaces of both crown and root, including some marks which may have been made postmortem. The roots were exposed in life on their labial sides by a large dehiscence, extending almost to the root apex. This is demonstrated by deposits of calculus, polishing, and scratching on the exposed surfaces. The dehiscence may have been caused by repeated trauma to the gingivae or remodelling of the tooth-supporting tissues in response to large forces applied to the front of the dentition.

Dental enamel growth, perikymata and hypoplasia in ancient tooth crowns.

This paper describes the hypoplastic defects commonly seen on the surface of ancient human tooth crowns, excavated from archaeological sites, and presents a new method for estimating the ages at which these defects were initiated during life. The method is based upon examination of microscopic incremental structures on the enamel surface and it is possible also to apply it to reconstruction of the sequence and timing of dental crown development. The method of examination is non-destructive and allows full use to be made of the large numbers of complete, unworn dentitions which are found amongst archaeological remains.