ABSTRACT
Metabolic Cribra orbitalia and porotic hyperostosis were observed in several individuals from the Tutu site (Figure 7.5). A pattern of pitting consistent with cribra orbitalia was present in the orbits of 4 subadults (Burials 6, 8A, 8B, 23A) and 6 adults (Burials 3, 9, 12, 13, 13A, 31). Of the adults, 4 individuals with cribra orbitalia were probable females, while the lesions were present on 2 individuals who were judged to be males. In general, the presence of cribra orbitalia and/or porotic hyperostosis in subadults is believed often to be indicative of an ongoing iron deficiency, while their occurrence in adults is reflective of (a) past episode(s) of the disorder (see Stuart-Macadam, 1985).
