Auricular exostoses among the prehistoric population of different islands of the Canary archipelago

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2001 Nov;110(11):1080-3. doi: 10.1177/000348940111001117.

Abstract

It is generally believed that auricular exostoses are due to prolonged exposure to cold water, so their existence in ancient remains may inform us about economic activities in the past. This study was performed to analyze the prevalence of auricular exostoses among 150 pre-Hispanic individuals of different islands of the Canary archipelago. Individuals from Gran Canaria (6/26), Fuerteventura (1/15), and Tenerife (2/64), but not from El Hierro (0/45), showed auricular exostoses, thus supporting the hypothesis of a greater reliance on fishing and shellfishing in the former 3 islands.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ear Canal / pathology*
  • Ear Neoplasms / history*
  • Ear Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteochondroma / epidemiology
  • Osteochondroma / history*
  • Paleopathology
  • Prevalence
  • Spain / epidemiology