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David M Reed

University of Michigan, Ophthalmology, Research Laboratory Specialist Lead

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With experience across several disciplines from stable isotope research for reconstructing diet to ancient DNA to the molecular genetics of eye diseases, my anthropological research focuses on the integrated analysis of the diets, health, population structures, and ecological adaptations of the ancient populations in the Americas. I study social evolution and sociopolitical structure from a bioarchaeological and analytical perspective using the tools and theories of cultural ecology and applied statistics.

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Papers by David M Reed

Usefulness of Icare Home in Telemedicine Workflow to Detect Real-World Intraocular Pressure Response to Glaucoma Medication Change

Ophthalmology Glaucoma, 2020

Perilimbal sclera mechanical properties: Impact on intraocular pressure in porcine eyes

PloS one, 2018

There is extensive knowledge on the relationship of posterior scleral biomechanics and intraocula... more There is extensive knowledge on the relationship of posterior scleral biomechanics and intraocular pressure (IOP) load on glaucomatous optic neuropathy; however, the role for biomechanical influence of the perilimbal scleral tissue on the aqueous humor drainage pathway, including the distal venous outflow system, and IOP regulation is not fully understood. The purpose of this work is to study the outflow characteristics of perfused porcine eyes relative to the biomechanical properties of the perilimbal sclera, the posterior sclera and the cornea. Enucleated porcine eyes from eleven different animals were perfused with surrogate aqueous at two fixed flow rates while monitoring their IOP. After perfusion, mechanical stress-strain and relaxation tests were conducted on specimens of perilimbal sclera, posterior sclera, and cornea from the same perfused eyes. Statistical analysis of the data demonstrated a strong correlation between increased tangent modulus of the perilimbal sclera tiss...

Variation in optineurin (OPTN) allele frequencies between and within populations

Molecular vision, Jan 2, 2007

To evaluate the extent to which mutations in the optineurin (OPTN) glaucoma gene play a role in g... more To evaluate the extent to which mutations in the optineurin (OPTN) glaucoma gene play a role in glaucoma in different populations. Case-controlled study of OPTN sequence variants in individuals with or without glaucoma in populations of different ancestral origins and evaluate previous OPTN reports. We analyzed 314 subjects with African, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic ancestries included 229 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, 51 cases of juvenile-onset open-angle glaucoma, 33 cases of normal tension glaucoma, and 371 controls. Polymerase chain reaction-amplified OPTN coding exons were resequenced and case frequencies were compared to frequencies in controls matched for ancestry. The E50K sequence variant was identified in one individual from Chile with normal tension glaucoma, and the 691_692insAG variant was found in one Ashkenazi Jewish individual from Russia. The R545Q variant was found in two Asian individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma; one of Filipino ancestry and one ...

Concordance of Aqueous Humor Flow in the Morning and at Night in Normal Humans

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2006

Retinal degeneration associated with RDH12 mutations results from decreased 11-cis retinal synthesis due to disruption of the visual cycle

Human Molecular Genetics, 2005

Progress toward personalized medicine for glaucoma

Expert Review of Ophthalmology, 2009

Scales of Complexity and the Complexity of Scales: Mortuary Analysis and Social Complexity in Prehistoric Mesoamerica and Beyond

Size Matters for Interplicata Diameter

Ophthalmology Glaucoma

Central Corneal Thickness Increase Due to Stromal Thickening With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Severity

Cornea, 2018

To investigate the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and diabetes disease seve... more To investigate the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and diabetes disease severity among patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) compared with controls. In this cross-sectional study, 34 participants were examined. DPN status was assessed by clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and quantitative sensory testing. All participants underwent comprehensive eye examination that included intraocular pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. CCT was measured by ultrasound pachymetry, and the thickness of corneal layers was assessed by corneal confocal microscopy. Association of CCT and DPN was examined using ANOVA. Among the 34 participants, there were 9 controls, 16 patients with mild DPN, and 9 patients with severe DPN. CCT was significantly increased in the DPN groups compared with controls (P = 0.0003). Mean CCT among controls was 552.7 ± 29.2 μm compared with 583.4 ± 25.0 μm in the mild DPN group and 613.3 ± 28.8 μm in the severe DPN ...

Evaluation of the 2 -Adrenergic Receptor Gene as a Candidate Glaucoma Gene in 2 Ancestral Populations

Objective:To determine whether the2-adrenergic re- ceptor (ADRB2) gene is a glaucoma susceptibili... more Objective:To determine whether the2-adrenergic re- ceptor (ADRB2) gene is a glaucoma susceptibility locus. Design and Methods: The design was an association study stratified by ancestry (white vs black African) and disease (primary open-angle glaucoma vs control sub- jects).TheADRB2singlenucleotidepolymorphismswere determinedbysequencing,andthehaplotypesofthecom- mon single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting codons 16and27werephasedbyallele-specificpolymerasechain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. We analyzed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes by ancestry and disease with the Fisher ex- act test, 2 test, and standardized Pearson residual. Results: A total of 583 subjects underwent genotyping (156 white subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma; 143subjectsofblackAfricanancestrywithprimaryopen- angle glaucoma; 148 white controls; and 136 controls of black African ancestry). There were no differences in ADRB2allelesandhaplotypesbetweentheprimaryopen- angleglaucomaandcontrolgroups,whetheranalyzedto- gether or by ancestry. Previously described ancestry- baseddifferencesinallelefrequencieswerefound.Wealso found ancestry-based differences in ADRB2 haplotypes. Conclusion: The ADRB2 gene was not a glaucoma sus- ceptibility locus in our study population. Clinical Relevance: Because this gene is not a disease locus, we can now study the role of ADRB2 haplotypes in the glaucoma risk factor of intraocular pressure fluc- tuation and variation in intraocular pressure response to -blockers.

RPE65 surface epitopes, protein interactions, and expression in rod- and cone-dominant species

Molecular vision, Jan 21, 2005

RPE65 is an abundant protein necessary for the synthesis of the chromophore 11-cis retinal by the... more RPE65 is an abundant protein necessary for the synthesis of the chromophore 11-cis retinal by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Our purpose was to identify RPE65 surface epitopes, to assess protein interactions, and to evaluate RPE65 expression in eyes from rod- and cone-dominant species using a monoclonal antibody approach. RPE65-specific monoclonal antibodies, mAb 8B11, and mAb 1F9, were generated using bovine RPE microsomal membranes and a human RPE65 synthetic peptide as immunogen, respectively. Western analysis was performed on bovine RPE membranes, as well as yeast strains generated by transfection with RPE65 cDNAs. Competition of antibody binding by synthetic peptides was assayed using ELISAs, western analysis, and elution from immunoaffinity matrices. RPE65 structural models were generated by ab initio and comparative methods. Immunohistochemistry was performed on retina/RPE/choroid cryosections and retina flatmounts. The antigenic determinant recognized by mAb 8B11 was ...

ERK-mediated activation of Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (Faim2) prevents apoptosis of 661W cells in a model of detachment-induced photoreceptor cell death

PloS one, 2012

In this study, we examined the role of Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (Faim2), an inhibitor ... more In this study, we examined the role of Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (Faim2), an inhibitor of the Fas signaling pathway, and its regulation by stress kinase signaling during Fas-mediated apoptosis of 661W cells, an immortalized photoreceptor-like cell line Treatment of 661W cells with a Fas-activating antibody led to increased levels of Faim2. Both ERK and JNK stress kinase pathways were activated in Fas-treated 661W cells, but only the inhibition of the ERK pathway reduced the levels of Faim2. Blocking the ERK pathway using a pharmacological inhibitor increased the susceptibility of 661W cells to Fas-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. When the levels of Faim2 were reduced in 661W cells by siRNA knockdown, Fas activating antibody treatment resulted in earlier and more robust caspase activation, and increased cell death. These results demonstrate that Faim2 acts as a neuroprotectant during Fas-mediated apoptosis of 661W cells. The expression of Faim2 is triggered, at lea...

Molecular Archaeology

Encyclopedia of Archaeology, 2008

Evaluation of the 2Adrenergic Receptor Gene as a Candidate Glaucoma Gene in 2 Ancestral Populations

Objective:To determine whether the2-adrenergic re- ceptor (ADRB2) gene is a glaucoma susceptibili... more Objective:To determine whether the2-adrenergic re- ceptor (ADRB2) gene is a glaucoma susceptibility locus. Design and Methods: The design was an association study stratified by ancestry (white vs black African) and disease (primary open-angle glaucoma vs control sub- jects).TheADRB2singlenucleotidepolymorphismswere determinedbysequencing,andthehaplotypesofthecom- mon single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting codons 16and27werephasedbyallele-specificpolymerasechain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. We analyzed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes by ancestry and disease with the Fisher ex- act test, 2 test, and standardized Pearson residual. Results: A total of 583 subjects underwent genotyping (156 white subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma; 143subjectsofblackAfricanancestrywithprimaryopen- angle glaucoma; 148 white controls; and 136 controls of black African ancestry). There were no differences in ADRB2allelesandhaplotypesbetweentheprimary...

Intravitreal Daptomycin

Retina, 2011

Bones of the Maya: Studies of Ancient Skeletons

Latin American Antiquity, 1998

Geographic and Climatic Factors Associated With Exfoliation Syndrome

Archives of Ophthalmology, 2011

Evaluation of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor Gene as a Candidate Glaucoma Gene in 2 Ancestral Populations

Archives of Ophthalmology, 2007

The Maya in the Middle: An Analysis of Sub-Royal Archaeology at Copan, Honduras

by W. Scott Zeleznik and David M Reed

Human Adaptation in Ancient Mesoamerica: Empirical Approaches to Mesoamerican Archaeology, 2015

Variation in optineurin (OPTN) allele frequencies between and within populations

by Margaret Wallace and David M Reed

Molecular vision, 2007

To evaluate the extent to which mutations in the optineurin (OPTN) glaucoma gene play a role in g... more To evaluate the extent to which mutations in the optineurin (OPTN) glaucoma gene play a role in glaucoma in different populations. Case-controlled study of OPTN sequence variants in individuals with or without glaucoma in populations of different ancestral origins and evaluate previous OPTN reports. We analyzed 314 subjects with African, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic ancestries included 229 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, 51 cases of juvenile-onset open-angle glaucoma, 33 cases of normal tension glaucoma, and 371 controls. Polymerase chain reaction-amplified OPTN coding exons were resequenced and case frequencies were compared to frequencies in controls matched for ancestry. The E50K sequence variant was identified in one individual from Chile with normal tension glaucoma, and the 691_692insAG variant was found in one Ashkenazi Jewish individual from Russia. The R545Q variant was found in two Asian individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma; one of Filipino ancestry and one ...

Usefulness of Icare Home in Telemedicine Workflow to Detect Real-World Intraocular Pressure Response to Glaucoma Medication Change

Ophthalmology Glaucoma, 2020

Perilimbal sclera mechanical properties: Impact on intraocular pressure in porcine eyes

PloS one, 2018

There is extensive knowledge on the relationship of posterior scleral biomechanics and intraocula... more There is extensive knowledge on the relationship of posterior scleral biomechanics and intraocular pressure (IOP) load on glaucomatous optic neuropathy; however, the role for biomechanical influence of the perilimbal scleral tissue on the aqueous humor drainage pathway, including the distal venous outflow system, and IOP regulation is not fully understood. The purpose of this work is to study the outflow characteristics of perfused porcine eyes relative to the biomechanical properties of the perilimbal sclera, the posterior sclera and the cornea. Enucleated porcine eyes from eleven different animals were perfused with surrogate aqueous at two fixed flow rates while monitoring their IOP. After perfusion, mechanical stress-strain and relaxation tests were conducted on specimens of perilimbal sclera, posterior sclera, and cornea from the same perfused eyes. Statistical analysis of the data demonstrated a strong correlation between increased tangent modulus of the perilimbal sclera tiss...

Variation in optineurin (OPTN) allele frequencies between and within populations

Molecular vision, Jan 2, 2007

To evaluate the extent to which mutations in the optineurin (OPTN) glaucoma gene play a role in g... more To evaluate the extent to which mutations in the optineurin (OPTN) glaucoma gene play a role in glaucoma in different populations. Case-controlled study of OPTN sequence variants in individuals with or without glaucoma in populations of different ancestral origins and evaluate previous OPTN reports. We analyzed 314 subjects with African, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic ancestries included 229 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, 51 cases of juvenile-onset open-angle glaucoma, 33 cases of normal tension glaucoma, and 371 controls. Polymerase chain reaction-amplified OPTN coding exons were resequenced and case frequencies were compared to frequencies in controls matched for ancestry. The E50K sequence variant was identified in one individual from Chile with normal tension glaucoma, and the 691_692insAG variant was found in one Ashkenazi Jewish individual from Russia. The R545Q variant was found in two Asian individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma; one of Filipino ancestry and one ...

Concordance of Aqueous Humor Flow in the Morning and at Night in Normal Humans

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2006

Retinal degeneration associated with RDH12 mutations results from decreased 11-cis retinal synthesis due to disruption of the visual cycle

Human Molecular Genetics, 2005

Progress toward personalized medicine for glaucoma

Expert Review of Ophthalmology, 2009

Scales of Complexity and the Complexity of Scales: Mortuary Analysis and Social Complexity in Prehistoric Mesoamerica and Beyond

Size Matters for Interplicata Diameter

Ophthalmology Glaucoma

Central Corneal Thickness Increase Due to Stromal Thickening With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Severity

Cornea, 2018

To investigate the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and diabetes disease seve... more To investigate the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and diabetes disease severity among patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) compared with controls. In this cross-sectional study, 34 participants were examined. DPN status was assessed by clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and quantitative sensory testing. All participants underwent comprehensive eye examination that included intraocular pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. CCT was measured by ultrasound pachymetry, and the thickness of corneal layers was assessed by corneal confocal microscopy. Association of CCT and DPN was examined using ANOVA. Among the 34 participants, there were 9 controls, 16 patients with mild DPN, and 9 patients with severe DPN. CCT was significantly increased in the DPN groups compared with controls (P = 0.0003). Mean CCT among controls was 552.7 ± 29.2 μm compared with 583.4 ± 25.0 μm in the mild DPN group and 613.3 ± 28.8 μm in the severe DPN ...

Evaluation of the 2 -Adrenergic Receptor Gene as a Candidate Glaucoma Gene in 2 Ancestral Populations

Objective:To determine whether the2-adrenergic re- ceptor (ADRB2) gene is a glaucoma susceptibili... more Objective:To determine whether the2-adrenergic re- ceptor (ADRB2) gene is a glaucoma susceptibility locus. Design and Methods: The design was an association study stratified by ancestry (white vs black African) and disease (primary open-angle glaucoma vs control sub- jects).TheADRB2singlenucleotidepolymorphismswere determinedbysequencing,andthehaplotypesofthecom- mon single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting codons 16and27werephasedbyallele-specificpolymerasechain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. We analyzed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes by ancestry and disease with the Fisher ex- act test, 2 test, and standardized Pearson residual. Results: A total of 583 subjects underwent genotyping (156 white subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma; 143subjectsofblackAfricanancestrywithprimaryopen- angle glaucoma; 148 white controls; and 136 controls of black African ancestry). There were no differences in ADRB2allelesandhaplotypesbetweentheprimaryopen- angleglaucomaandcontrolgroups,whetheranalyzedto- gether or by ancestry. Previously described ancestry- baseddifferencesinallelefrequencieswerefound.Wealso found ancestry-based differences in ADRB2 haplotypes. Conclusion: The ADRB2 gene was not a glaucoma sus- ceptibility locus in our study population. Clinical Relevance: Because this gene is not a disease locus, we can now study the role of ADRB2 haplotypes in the glaucoma risk factor of intraocular pressure fluc- tuation and variation in intraocular pressure response to -blockers.

RPE65 surface epitopes, protein interactions, and expression in rod- and cone-dominant species

Molecular vision, Jan 21, 2005

RPE65 is an abundant protein necessary for the synthesis of the chromophore 11-cis retinal by the... more RPE65 is an abundant protein necessary for the synthesis of the chromophore 11-cis retinal by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Our purpose was to identify RPE65 surface epitopes, to assess protein interactions, and to evaluate RPE65 expression in eyes from rod- and cone-dominant species using a monoclonal antibody approach. RPE65-specific monoclonal antibodies, mAb 8B11, and mAb 1F9, were generated using bovine RPE microsomal membranes and a human RPE65 synthetic peptide as immunogen, respectively. Western analysis was performed on bovine RPE membranes, as well as yeast strains generated by transfection with RPE65 cDNAs. Competition of antibody binding by synthetic peptides was assayed using ELISAs, western analysis, and elution from immunoaffinity matrices. RPE65 structural models were generated by ab initio and comparative methods. Immunohistochemistry was performed on retina/RPE/choroid cryosections and retina flatmounts. The antigenic determinant recognized by mAb 8B11 was ...

ERK-mediated activation of Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (Faim2) prevents apoptosis of 661W cells in a model of detachment-induced photoreceptor cell death

PloS one, 2012

In this study, we examined the role of Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (Faim2), an inhibitor ... more In this study, we examined the role of Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (Faim2), an inhibitor of the Fas signaling pathway, and its regulation by stress kinase signaling during Fas-mediated apoptosis of 661W cells, an immortalized photoreceptor-like cell line Treatment of 661W cells with a Fas-activating antibody led to increased levels of Faim2. Both ERK and JNK stress kinase pathways were activated in Fas-treated 661W cells, but only the inhibition of the ERK pathway reduced the levels of Faim2. Blocking the ERK pathway using a pharmacological inhibitor increased the susceptibility of 661W cells to Fas-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. When the levels of Faim2 were reduced in 661W cells by siRNA knockdown, Fas activating antibody treatment resulted in earlier and more robust caspase activation, and increased cell death. These results demonstrate that Faim2 acts as a neuroprotectant during Fas-mediated apoptosis of 661W cells. The expression of Faim2 is triggered, at lea...

Molecular Archaeology

Encyclopedia of Archaeology, 2008

Evaluation of the 2Adrenergic Receptor Gene as a Candidate Glaucoma Gene in 2 Ancestral Populations

Objective:To determine whether the2-adrenergic re- ceptor (ADRB2) gene is a glaucoma susceptibili... more Objective:To determine whether the2-adrenergic re- ceptor (ADRB2) gene is a glaucoma susceptibility locus. Design and Methods: The design was an association study stratified by ancestry (white vs black African) and disease (primary open-angle glaucoma vs control sub- jects).TheADRB2singlenucleotidepolymorphismswere determinedbysequencing,andthehaplotypesofthecom- mon single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting codons 16and27werephasedbyallele-specificpolymerasechain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. We analyzed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes by ancestry and disease with the Fisher ex- act test, 2 test, and standardized Pearson residual. Results: A total of 583 subjects underwent genotyping (156 white subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma; 143subjectsofblackAfricanancestrywithprimaryopen- angle glaucoma; 148 white controls; and 136 controls of black African ancestry). There were no differences in ADRB2allelesandhaplotypesbetweentheprimary...

Intravitreal Daptomycin

Retina, 2011

Bones of the Maya: Studies of Ancient Skeletons

Latin American Antiquity, 1998

Geographic and Climatic Factors Associated With Exfoliation Syndrome

Archives of Ophthalmology, 2011

Evaluation of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor Gene as a Candidate Glaucoma Gene in 2 Ancestral Populations

Archives of Ophthalmology, 2007

The Maya in the Middle: An Analysis of Sub-Royal Archaeology at Copan, Honduras

by W. Scott Zeleznik and David M Reed

Human Adaptation in Ancient Mesoamerica: Empirical Approaches to Mesoamerican Archaeology, 2015

Variation in optineurin (OPTN) allele frequencies between and within populations

by Margaret Wallace and David M Reed

Molecular vision, 2007

To evaluate the extent to which mutations in the optineurin (OPTN) glaucoma gene play a role in g... more To evaluate the extent to which mutations in the optineurin (OPTN) glaucoma gene play a role in glaucoma in different populations. Case-controlled study of OPTN sequence variants in individuals with or without glaucoma in populations of different ancestral origins and evaluate previous OPTN reports. We analyzed 314 subjects with African, Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic ancestries included 229 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, 51 cases of juvenile-onset open-angle glaucoma, 33 cases of normal tension glaucoma, and 371 controls. Polymerase chain reaction-amplified OPTN coding exons were resequenced and case frequencies were compared to frequencies in controls matched for ancestry. The E50K sequence variant was identified in one individual from Chile with normal tension glaucoma, and the 691_692insAG variant was found in one Ashkenazi Jewish individual from Russia. The R545Q variant was found in two Asian individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma; one of Filipino ancestry and one ...

Los alimentos y el estatus en Copán, Honduras: los resultados del estudio de los isótopos estables en los mayas del periodo Clásico

Introducción La reconstrucción del tamaño de la población prehistórica, la densidad de población,... more Introducción La reconstrucción del tamaño de la población prehistórica, la densidad de población, las tendencias de colonización, las estructuras económicas, las organizaciones políticas, y del nacimiento y caída de las civilizaciones depende de nuestro conocimiento de los recursos naturales, prácticas de subsistencia y organización social. El análisis de fósiles humanos es esencial para el estudio de la ecología humana, la evolución cultural y la organización social. Las tendencias de preparación, distribución y consumo de alimentos reflejan las distinciones del status y la distancia social. Las reconstrucciones de los antiguos sistemas mayas de subsistencia han sido impedidas por lo fragmentario y mal preservado de las huellas de esfuerzos agrícolas humanos. Aunque los restos de sus edificios, monumentos y textos epigráficos han sobrevivido al paso del tiempo, los vestigios de sus sistemas alimenticios han por la mayor parte desaparecido. Debido a la falta de evidencias de primera mano sobre las prácticas de obtención de alimentos, se ha confiado en la evidencia secundaria. Se han propuesto muchos sistemas como modelos para las antiguas tendencias de subsistencia, incluyendo la agricultura intensiva basada en el maíz, la selva tropical artificial, la arboricultura basada en el ramón y el cultivo de tubérculos. Cada uno de estos modelos de la obtención de alimento tiene sus méritos y sus debilidades en cuanto a riesgos y defensibilidad. Sin embargo, aunque la evidencia química de los fósiles humanos sobre la dieta no puede proveer información sobre el tipo de sistema usado, sí puede ayudar a identificar los componentes principales de la dicha dieta. La influencia de la élite sobre los hábitos alimenticios debe ser observada en la variabilidad dietética entre las clases sociales. Se utiliza la comida para ejemplificar diferencias sutiles u obvias en la pirámide social. Algunos alimentos pueden otorgar cierto estatus al consumidor, mientras otros reciben ese prestigio debido a la clase del que los come. Muchas veces un estatus alto se vincula a alimentos exóticos, preparaciones complejas y productos caros. Las tendencias de preparación alimenticia, distribución y consumo reflejan las relaciones de una sociedad. La evidencia de los textos epigráficos antiguos mayas, la estructura de la tendencia colonizadora y el análisis de los fósiles humanos indican las diferencias—ya modestas ya extremas—entre los niveles más altos y los más bajos de la jerarquía social maya. La comida, el maíz en particular, comportaba importancia social y religiosa para el antiguo maya. Se sabe muy poco acerca de cómo se organizaba la distribución alimenticia según edad, género y estatus social. Hay indicaciones de que la carne comportaba una posición socialmente importante dentro de la jerarquía alimenticia. Se necesita más investigación sobre la cuestión de si la carne era un suplemento para todos los miembros de la sociedad, si se reservaba para los reyes y cabezas de familia o si se comía durante las ceremonias. Casi toda la evidencia arqueológica sobre el uso maya de la carne y la planta es demasiado escasa y limitada para proveer más que una lista de especies usadas para el consumo humano. En este estudio paleodietético voy a examinar las diferencias alimenticias entre los adultos varones y hembras, las diferencias relacionadas con la edad entre adultos jóvenes, medianos y viejos, las diferencias entre la clase alta y la baja y las diferencias entre la residencia rural y la urbana. Estas divisiones suministran una base desde la que se puede determinar la variabilidad dietética en la antigua sociedad de Copán. Las excavaciones-hechas hace más de una década en Copán, Honduras por el Proyecto Arqueológico de Copán de la Universidad del Estado de Pennsylvania—proveen un recurso para el análisis de la variabilidad

Scales of Complexity and The Complexity Of Scales: Mortuary Analysis And Social Complexity In Prehistoric Mesoamerica And Beyond

by W. Scott Zeleznik and David M Reed

INTRODUCTION A common goal of social science research is to understand social complexity – both i... more INTRODUCTION A common goal of social science research is to understand social complexity – both in terms of social interaction and social distinction and status. Furthermore, many of our subsequent analyses and portrayals of society are based on assumptions garnered from models of social organization. Hence, we believe that accurate, reliable, and plausible measures of social complexity must be constructed before we can proceed with any analysis. Unfortunately, compared with our colleagues in sociology, political science or even cultural anthropology, we as archaeologists are disadvantaged by a lack of individual level data compounded by the fact that we cannot dialogue with our subjects. This precludes many forms of analysis commonly employed in other disciplines. But, skeletal and mortuary remains give us a unique opportunity to view society at the individual level instead of in the aggregate and as such we may still be able to take advantage of methods employed by other disciplines. We do not pretend that this statement is new to archaeologists. Data reduction techniques such as cluster, factor, and component analysis have been used for decades to partition the social world into neat, discrete groups and ranks. We think, however, it is time to move beyond these divide and conquer approaches to more rich and nuanced models that seek to accurately portray the social milieu and all of its complexity. Here we explore one such technique commonly used in psychology, sociology, and political science known as reliability analysis. We have successfully employed this approach in previous presentations and publications with a database of nearly 700 burials from our own work in the Copán Valley, Honduras. We present these data and then demonstrate how this method is generalizable to mortuary data from other societies around the world and can be extrapolated to cases where data is limited. We also argue that this is a necessary first step in any attempt to address social complexity with the aid of mortuary data. Having said this, we recognize that the world of human relationships is not made up of statistical equations and numerical results. We all know that mortuary ritual is complex, reflecting the values of the surviving group, not necessarily the individual. Moreover what is valued in a mortuary context is not necessarily what is valued in everyday life. Indeed, the advantage of the method we demonstrate is that it may allow us to see what the society in question valued instead of imposing our assumptions on that society. And, as we have shown elsewhere, this can then be compared to data from other contexts (household middens, bioarchaeology, etc.) to determine the distinctive nature of mortuary contexts.