Exploring the trajectory of Bioarchaeology and Paleopathology in Ecuador: Current challenges and future directions

Authors

  • Antony Cevallos Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain. Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8754-1712

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16617252

Keywords:

bioarchaeology, paleopathology, South America, Andean region, Ecuador

Abstract

Bioarchaeology and paleopathology have experienced significant global development by enabling the reconstruction of key aspects of the human past, such as health status, disease prevalence, funerary practices, and mobility patterns, through the analysis of human remains. In Ecuador, although both disciplines are still in the process of consolidation, they have shown steady growth in recent decades, demonstrating strong potential to enrich the biocultural understanding of past populations.

This article offers a critical review of the historical and current development of these fields in the country. It examines their trajectory over nearly five decades of research, from early pioneering studies to the most recent approaches, including innovative methodologies that involve materials other than bones and teeth. It also explores the contributions made from Ecuador to the Andean paleopathological knowledge, highlighting significant advances alongside persistent gaps.

Based on this analysis, the article proposes strategies aimed at strengthening the institutionalization, specialized training, and scientific projection of both disciplines. Finally, it reflects on their fundamental role in reconstructing past populations and argues that, through coordinated strategic actions by researchers and institutions, Ecuador has the potential to transform its biocultural heritage into a meaningful source of scientific, educational, and cultural knowledge.

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Published

2025-07-31

How to Cite

Cevallos , A. (2025). Exploring the trajectory of Bioarchaeology and Paleopathology in Ecuador: Current challenges and future directions. STRATA, 3(2), e21. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16617252