• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.228-241
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• 2021

Cremated archaeological bones provide crucial information to unravel the details of ancient cremation events and funeral culture. The research on cremated bones to date has been mainly focused on extracting archaeological information in Korea. Recently, the techniques of physical anthropology have been applied to obtain biological information and cremation temperatures for individuals. This study analyzed human remains excavated from Seoul Seokchon-dong Ancient Tombs and determined whether there were human cremations as well as the estimated cremation temperatures. There was no trace of fire in the pits where cremated bones were found; therefore, it is assumed that they were deposited with the artifacts. In this study, four samples were selected according to the surface color of the bones, and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used for analysis. All four of the Seokchon-dong cremated bones were found, based on the crystallization index of X-ray diffraction analysis, to have experienced cremation above the temperature of 700℃. Infrared spectroscopy results indicated that the four bones from Seokchon-dong were cremated at temperatures above 700℃ and below 1,000℃. IR peaks were observed at 700℃, whereas no changes were found when bones experienced more than 1000℃. We assume that the cremated people in the Seokchon-dong Tombs were people of high-status because cremation at such a high temperature at that period required much effort. Here we present significant evidence of the cremation status and temperature of archaeological human bones on the basis of XRD and FT-IR, allowing for the restoration of the cremation events and funeral culture in archaeological sites.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.149-152
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• 2021

Our previous research on coprolite specimens from the mummies of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 CE) has revealed various species of parasite eggs. Herein, we added 2 new helminthic cases of human remains from Joseon-period graves in the Republic of Korea (Korea). The organic materials precipitated on the hip bones of 2 half-mummied cases (Goryeong and Gwangmyeong cases) were collected, rehydrated, and examined by a microscope. In the sample from Goryeong-gun (gun=County), ova of Trichuris trichiura, Clonorchis sinensis, and Metagonimus spp. were detected, and eggs of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides were found from the sample of Gwangmyeong-si (si=City). By adding this outcome to the existing data pool, we confirm our previous estimates of Joseon-period parasite infection rates. The overall rates of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and C. sinensis decreased dramatically from Joseon to the modern period. In Goryeong mummy specimen, we also found Metagonimus spp. eggs that has rarely been detected in archaeological samples so far.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2014

Animal bones excavated with earthenware from the shell mound at the Jeju Jongdali 1819 archeological site, where three consecutive chronological layers covering the Neolithic (B.C. 15C-B.C. 10C), early Tamra, and late Tamra periods have been identified, were morphologically classified. The majority of the bones from all three periods were broken or split. The major fauna of the mammalian bones in all periods were Cervus spp., Sus scrofa, and Bos taurus. In the early and late Tamra periods, bones of small animals including Mustela sibirica coreana, Meles meles, Rodentia, and Aves were also found in small number. The excavated bones were from all parts of the animal bodies, including head, trunk, forelimb, and hindlimb. Collectively, these findings suggest that the major fauna from the Neolithic to late Tamra periods consisted of Cervus spp., Sus scrofa, and Bos taurus and that the fauna was dissected and carried to the shell mound site after hunting. Information from the bone remains in the shell mound are useful data for study of the wildlife and domestic animals living during the prehistoric period of Jeju Island.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.323-326
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• 2011

While the presence of pinworm eggs in archaeological samples has been reported by many researchers in the New World, those have been detected very scarcely in the Old World, especially in East Asian countries. In fact, many parasite species were recovered from the archeological remains in Korea, eggs of Enterobius vermicularis had not been found. Recently, a female mummy buried in the 17th century was discovered in the Joseon tomb from Dangjin-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. After rehydration process for 12 days, investigations were carried on the luminal surface of the colon. From them, 3 eggs of E. vermicularis were recovered. They were elliptical, transparent with a thin egg shell, $50.3{\pm}5.2\;{\mu}m$ (length) and $28.2{\pm}3.9\;{\mu}m$ (width) in size. This is the first discovery of E. vermicularis eggs in East Asia.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.63-84
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• 2022

One of the ancient nomadic cultures, the Saka is generally regarded as an important intermediary in the ancient Eurasian cultural network. This study is the reinterpretation of the excavations conducted on the Katartobe tombs site of the Saka culture through a joint three-year-long project by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage in Korea in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Research Institute under the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The main discussion of the study deals with the burial rituals performed by the community who built the Katartobe tombs by the comparison and review of the various researches on the Saka tombs based on the archaeological artifacts discovered during excavation. The research has shown that the Saka tribes maintained the tradition of burying domesticated animals, such as horses, with its owner and performed burial rituals which often involved the use of fire. The archaeological remains of the Saka also show that the burial rituals like these formed the key aspect of their cultural heritage. The archaeological discoveries also show that the Saka mourners built wooden cists under a single mound when they needed to bury multiple corpses at once and sustained the practice of excarnation when burying the bodies of those who died in the different periods of time. Some burials included a tomb passage which was used not only for carrying the deceased but also for a separate burial ritual. The main discussion of this study also deals with the remnants of bones of animals buried with their deceased owners in the same kurgan, as well as the animal species and their locations in the kurgan, resulting in the discovery of diverse meanings connected with them. The pottery buried in the tombs were largely ceremonial offering vessels, just like others excavated at nearby Saka tombs and located around the buried corpse's head facing toward the west. The excavation of the tombs also shows that two vessels were arranged at the corners of the coffin where the feet are located, revealing the characteristic features of the burial practices maintained by the tribe who built the Katartobe tombs. It may be too early to come to a definite conclusion on the burial practices of the Saka due to the relative lack of research on the kurgans across Central Asia. Excavations so far show that the kurgans clustered in a single archaeological site tend to display differences as well as uniformities. In conclusion, the ancient Central Asian tombs need more detailed surveys and researches to be able to make strides in an effort to restore the cultural heritage of the ancient Central Asian tribes who played a crucial role in the Eurasian cultural landscape.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.92-105
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• 2014

Microbial characteristics of bacterial population were investigated in human remains and soil inside the bones in excavated grave no.4 and no.5 at Keundokgol site, Osu-ri, Buyeo. Phylogenetic characteristics of bacterial populations were analyzed by direct extracting of ancient DNA. In this study, based on the 16S rDNA sequences, in case of grave no.4, 319s from human remain were classified into 11 phyla, and 462s from soil were classified into 16 phyla. In case of grave no.5, 271s from human remain were classified into 10 phyla, and 497s from soil were classified into 11 phyla. Especially, Actinobacteria phylogenetic group are dominant group of bacterial populations in grave no.4 and no.5. Also, most of these were analyzed uncultured group. Thus, the discovery of a diversely microbial community and uncultured group was thought to be due to the specificity of the sample. Conclusively the general excavated human bones were contaminated with soil bacteria species their near around. This results contribute to preservation and management of ancient human bone from archaeological sites.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.38
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• pp.157-178
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• 2005

In this thesis, ammaksae, or internal roof tiles, which was reported to be in the period of Baekje, was examined on the basis of layers of archaeological excavation and styles of relics. As a result, among the relics which have already been reported, jidumun amkiwa (concave roof tiles patterned by finger tips) excavated from Pungnap Earthen Wall and yudansik amkiwa (stepped concave roof tiles) from remains such as Guari Baekje Remains, could not be seen yet. The only relics that could be identified as original-style ammaksae or ammaksae were jidumun amkiwa unearthed from the site of Gunsurisa Temple, togiguyeon amkiwa (mouth-rim earthenware concave roof tiles) and yuaksik amkiwa (concave roof tiles with sills) from Buso Fortress and Gwanbukri Baekje Remains, and gwimyeonindongdangchomun ammaksae (honeysuckle-pattern concave end roof tiles with monster design) from the sites of Jeseok Temple and Mireuk Temple. Regarding ammaksae in the period of Baekje like the above, it is considered that jidumun amkiwa (short sills appeared), which showed up in the period of China's North Dynasties, developed into togiguyeon amkiwa and yuaksik amkiwa (sills were formed), and then gwimyeonindongdangchomun ammaksae (patterns appeared) emerged.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.75-94
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• 2007

There were many researches on marine transportation and granaries, most of which focused on the historical establishment and organization of the marine transportation. However, a few researches were conducted on the architectural aspects. Hence the purposes of this study are to investigate the following matters: first, documents and relics concerning the tribute granary castle at Cape Gongse in Asan, a typical granary during the Joseon Dynasty, were investigated to academically understand the castle's establishment and historical background; second, the dispositional characteristics of the granary and the castle, including its adjacent facilities, were investigated to review its archaeological value; finally, basic materials were provided for systematical preservation and management these relics. As for the research method, the author referred to and analyzed sundry records and old maps, and ascertained in detail historical evidence through residential testimonies and the on-the-spot surveys. In addition, the author investigated the dispositional characteristics of the tribute granary castle at Cape Gongse by analyzing its exact size and shape, based on the old documents and an actual survey of the castle remains. The characteristics of the tribute granary castle at Cape Gongse may be summarized as follows. First, tribute granary at cape Gongse is a only tribute granary which has a granary and castle. second, the tribute granary castle at Cape Gongse has a curvilinear shape, like a gourd dipper; a large circle surrounding the village and a small circle surrounding the area of Mt. Shinpoong both meet up with it. Third, the construction type of the tribute granary castle at Cape Gongse is in a style similar to a town castle or a battle camp castle located in the coastal regions. As for its locational conditions, however, the east gate, presumably an incoming and outgoing route to the granary for vessels, was a feature unique to the marine granary castle. Fourth, the tribute granary at Cape Gongse had a granary of eighty kan in 1523 and, in addition, there were also Bongsang-cheong, Sa-chang, Joseon-sobakcheo, Chimhae-dang, and more, not to mention many privates houses in the castle. The granary is located in the center of the tribute granary castle, where Gongse Nonghyub is currently located. The location of the government offices seemed to be on the northern ridge. Fifth, the tribute granary castle at Cape Gongse is a valuable relic that offers insight into marine transportation, tribute granaries, and tribute granary castles during the Joseon Dynasty. It has special archaeological value because it was one of only a few tribute granary castles that served to protect the tribute granaries.

• 보존과학연구
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• s.35
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• pp.87-98
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• 2014

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR-ATR) was applied to chemical analysis for conservation status of 10 human bone remains from Joseon Dynasty. The result of crystallinity index (CI) is $4.25{\pm}0.78$, carbonate to carbonate ratio (C/C) is $0.91{\pm}0.04$ and cabonate content (C/P) is $0.19{\pm}0.06$. The higher histological index (HI) confirmed CI and C/P value was increased and C/C value was reduced. While C/C or C/P values analysis is possible. While DNA analysis can be extracted from the bone, C/C values are lower or C/P values are higher was found to the analysis is possible. Chemical assessment of FTIR and histological index consequence is expected to be applicable as a basis for comprehensive understanding of the conservation status excavated bones.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.587-593
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• 2019

Excavation (2008-2014) carried out under the Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy) led to the discovery of 75 individuals, mostly buried in multiple graves. Based on Roman minted coins, the graves were preliminarily dated between the second half of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th centuries CE. Taphonomy showed that this was an emergency burial site associated with a catastrophic event, possibly an epidemic of unknown etiology with high mortality rates. In this perspective, paleoparasitological investigations were performed on 18 individuals exhumed from 9 multiple graves to assess the burden of gastrointestinal parasitism. Five out of eighteen individuals (27.7%) tested positive for ascarid-type remains; these are considered as "decorticated" Ascaris eggs, which have lost their outer mammillated coat. Roundworms (genus Ascaris) commonly infest human populations under dire sanitary conditions. Archaeological and historical evidence indicates that Florentia suffered a period of economic crisis between the end of 4th and the beginning of the 5th centuries CE, and that the aqueduct was severely damaged at the beginning of the 4th century CE, possibly during the siege of the Goths (406 CE). It is more than plausible that the epidemic, possibly coupled with the disruption of the aqueduct, deeply affected the living conditions of these individuals. A 27.7% frequency suggests that ascariasis was widespread in this population. This investigation exemplifies how paleoparasitological information can be retrieved from the analysis of sediments sampled in cemeteries, thus allowing a better assessment of the varying frequency of parasitic infections among ancient populations.