Harris Lines and

Linear Enamel Hypoplasia

Susan AylardNecropolis Session 2

May 2010

Harris Lines

Long bones, scapula, & pelvic bones

Thickness: 1 – 10 mm

Thickest in areas of rapid growth

Bilateral

Manifest: 6 mos. - 5 yrs.

Disappear with age

Long Bone Development

Harris Lines

“Normal” tibia Tibia with Harris Lines

The Tyrolean Alps Iceman

Linear Enamel Hypoplasia

Horizontal lines

Small pits, furrows, large grooves

Front teeth usually

Deficiency in enamel thickness

Tooth Development

LEH at Sanisera

Enamel Hypoplasia

Palaeopathological Usefulness

Non-specific indicators of physiological stress

Periods of arrested growth

LEH – age of occurrence

LEH – permanent

Harris Lines – fade due to remodelling

Childhood health of an individual

Comparison of populations

Temporal comparisons within a population