EVIDENCIA DE TREPONEMATOSIS PRECOLOMBINA PROCEDENTE DE PASO DEL INDIO: UN SITIO ARQUEOLÓGICO EN LA ISLA DE PUERTO RICO

Abstract

The skeleton of an adult female with evidence of treponemal infection was recovered from the Paso del Indio archaeological site, in the island of Puerto Rico. Archaeological indicators suggest affilation to the Pretaíno Culture (a. D. 600-1200). This is the first prehistoric case from the Caribbean area that show clear evidence of treponemal conditions. Likewise, relationship between the burial's mortuary context and the mentioning of this pathological condition inside the taínos mythology are also discussed.