ULNA OF A MEMBER OF THE GENUS HOMO FROM THE CHAGYR CAVE IN ALTAI (MORPHOLOGY AND TAXONOMY)*

The Chagyr cave in the Altai Mountains is an actively researched archaeological site, in the layers of which a musteroid industry has been discovered. This paper describes and discusses a new find - the left ulna from layer 6a of the cave monument. Based on its size, proportions, signs of pathology, and markers of typical motor activity, it is concluded that it may belong to a Neanderthal.This ulna belongs to a large morphological variant, which represents, in particular, some Middle Eastern male Neanderthals (Shanidar). With the latter, a person from the Chagyr cave is also close to the probable predisposition to Forestye disease.

Key words: Chagyr cave, ulna, Neanderthals, archaic morphology.

Introduction

The musteroid industry in the Chagyr Cave of the mid-mountain Northwestern Altai was discovered by Novosibirsk researcher St. Markin in 2007 [Derevyanko, 2009, p. 34]. The cave is located on the territory of Krasnoshchekovsky district of the Altai Territory. It is located at an altitude of 25 m above the level of the Charysh River. on its left bank. The river drains the spurs of the northern slope of the Tigiretsky Ridge (Derevianko, Markin, and Zykin, 2009; Derevianko and Markin, 2012; Markin, Zykin, and Zykina, 2011; Derevianko and Markin, 2011).

In the Chagyr cave, there are two halls with a total area of about 130 ^m2 (Derevyanko, Markin, and Zykin, 2008). The technocomplex of the parking lot is similar to the industry of the Okladnikov Cave located 100 km away (Derevyanko and Markin, 1992; Derevyanko, 2009; Derevyanko, Markin, and Zykin, 2008). A. P. Derevyanko emphasized that today we are no longer talking about some random, difficult-to-explain phenomenon of the Mousterian tradition appearing on the territory of Altai, but about the spread of the mustiereid tradition. a special local industry, called sibiryachikhinskaya [2009, p. 34, 2010; 2011].

The question about the creators of such sets of stone artifacts was answered by studies of anthropological materials from the Okladnikov Cave (formerly Sibiryachikha), discovered by an expedition of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences back in 1984. The history of the study of these extremely fragmentary, small and, at first glance, featureless remains* can be divided into three stages.

The first of them was associated with the traditional study of the elements of the dental system. The taxonomic affiliation of the owners of five teeth - adolescents aged 12-14 and children aged 5-7 years - was evaluated ambiguously by experts. American odontologist Christy Turner II saw in this material the features of the Neanderthal odontological complex and noted the similarity with European rather than Asian forms (Turner, 1988, 1990). Academician V. P. Alekseev did not rule out that the teeth belong to early Homo sapiens

* The study was carried out within the framework of the RFBR project 11 - 06 - 12009.

* For example, Viola believed that the postcranial remains from Okladnikov Cave could not be assigned to a specific taxon (Viola et al., 2011, p. 208).

[Alekseev, 1998]. The results of a detailed odontological study supported the classification of these representatives of the Paleolithic population of Altai as early N. sapiens sapiens (Shpakova, 2001; Shpakova and Derevyanko, 2000).

The second stage in the study of anthropological materials is associated with the success of paleogenetic research, which had a very loud resonance in the scientific world [Krause et al., 2007]. The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig studied samples taken from four postcranial bones: the middle phalanx and distal fragment of the humerus of adult individuals, as well as juvenile distal fragments of the humerus and femur. Mitochondrial DNA was isolated from three large tubular bones of Altai hominids. In parallel, the same study analyzed a tissue sample obtained from the left femur of a Neanderthal child from the Teshik-Tash cave. Neanderthal mtDNA was detected in children from both Teshik - Tash and Okladnikov caves. Taking these results into account, the boundaries of the Neanderthal range, whose outpost was previously considered to be the territory of modern Uzbekistan, expanded by 2 thousand km to the east and reached Southern Siberia.

The third stage in the study of the Neanderthal population of Altai is associated with a renewed interest in morphological research. It is important to note that recent years have been marked by significant technological advances that allow anthropologists to work more effectively with fragmentary materials. However, the use of traditional measurement and descriptive techniques has also borne fruit. Thus, the study of 12 postcranial bones from the Okladnikov Cave was informative (Mednikova, 2011). Despite the fact that they belonged to people of different sex and age, including children, these remains are united by a combination of archaic and unique features. In terms of morphology of the postcranial skeleton, the carriers of the Sibiryachikha tradition are most similar to Neanderthals, but there are other archaic features that bring them closer to Erectus. The Altai paleoanthropes from Okladnikov Cave are the least similar to the early anatomically modern people of the Middle East (Skhul-Kafzeh group). Among the fossil forms, the Okladnikov Cave Neanderthals are closely related to Herd C1 and partly to representatives of the Shanidar group. Hence, the Middle Eastern paleoanthropes may have been the ancestral form for the Altaic ones. This conclusion is in good agreement with the previously expressed opinion of archaeologists that "only the industries of the Middle East could have been the origins of the Early Middle Paleolithic industry of Gorny Altai" (Derevyanko, 2009, p.35).

The question of how to explain the presence of anatomical features corresponding to a more "archaic" stage of development in the Neanderthals from Okladnikov Cave was worth discussing. And when describing their peculiarity, we proposed two explanations [Mednikova, 2011, pp. 82-86]. First ,the Neanderthals from Okladnikov Cave descended from a very ancient, undifferentiated population of Neanderthals, which had not yet acquired the "classical" features of European paleoanthropes, but retained some ancestral features. Second, Neanderthal migrants of Middle Eastern origin, moving east, had genetic contacts with a more relict, "erectoid" population. Based on morphological observations, we proposed the concept of recurrent hybridization, which implies the crossing of a daughter (in this case, Neanderthal) form and a form that was closer to the ancestral (in a broad sense, erectoid) form.

The second hypothesis is supported not only by numerous evidences of late pithecanthropic habitation in Asia [Anton, 2003], but also by the sensational discovery in the Altai of the remains of a Denisovan with an apparently relict genotype, which still remains a morphological mystery due to the lack of complete anatomical information [Krause et al., 2010; Reich et al., 2010]. Taking into account the territorial proximity of the Denisova, Okladnikov, and Chagyrskaya caves, it can be concluded that the Altai was a contact zone of fossil hominids with the Denisovian and Neanderthal genomes from 50 to 40 thousand years AGO. Their mestizoization is very likely, especially since the hybridization of Denisovans and Sapiens in Asia is considered proven by paleogenetic data [Reich, Green, Kircher et al., 2010; Reich Patterson, Kircher et al., 2011].

Thus, any new paleoanthropological finds from the Altai territory are of great interest. Excavations in the Chagyr cave led by St. Markin in 2010 - 2011 brought a long-awaited result: Homo bones were found in layers 6b and 6b. The age of these materials, which were deposited together with the stone industry and the rich faunal complex, is determined by stratigraphic indicators: the lower sediment horizon of the cave aggregate is compared with the Tulin loess (MIS 4), which accumulated during the Ermakov time*.

An erased upper milk canine and a fragment of the atlas of a 3-year-old child were extracted from layer 6b [Viola et al., 2011], which was reported to have no diagnostic value. Material from the subfloor-

* In the preliminary publication of foreign colleagues, these finds were assigned to the Karga interstadial (OIS 3) [Viola et al., 2011].

layer 6b included part of the upper premolar ^P4 and a severely worn lower incisor with extreme hypercementosis. The teeth are very small, with short roots, so, as B. Viola emphasized, these finds from the Chagyr cave are beyond the range of variability of Neanderthal values. However, a detailed study of the milk canine, including microtomography, conducted by A. P. Buzhilova [Buzhilova, 2011], revealed the similarity of the child from the Chagyr cave with Neanderthals (Le Figuillet, Dedrie 1, Spi 4) and Middle-Late-centric Homo from the Middle East (Kafzeh 10).

In 2011, a fairly large fragment of the lower jaw was found with teeth from the canine to the second molar (C-M ₂) [Viola et al., 2012], showing Neanderthal features: permanent mitrigonid crests on the first and second molars, strong asymmetry of P ₄, posterior position of the chin opening, oblique mylogioid line. From the point of view of B. Viol, it is precisely this find from the Chagyr cave that makes it possible to link the material from the Altai with the Neanderthals of Western Eurasia [Ibid.].

Information about the structural features of the postcranial skeleton in the group of fossils of people who inhabited the Chagyr Cave may be no less significant. This publication aims to introduce a description of the paleoanthropological find from excavations conducted in the cave in 2011. The research objectives are not only to conduct primary identification, but also to identify its morphological originality in the light of data on the co - settlement of the Altai by representatives of archaic morphology-Denisovans and Neanderthals.

Description

The left ulnar (upper third) Homo bone was found in the Chagyr cave, in layer 6a, horizon 3, square NU, sector 1 at a depth of 176 cm from the day surface (Fig. 1). The length of the preserved fragment is 85.30 mm, taking into account the vertically oriented pathological growth-exostosis - 87.79 mm.

Figure 1. Homo ulna from the Chagyr cave excavations in various projections: a-front view; b-back view; c-medial part; d-lateral part; e-top view (left-posterior side, bottom-medial part); d-bottom view g - development of ulnar (brachial) tuberosity; h-exostosis on the upper-posterior surface of the ulnar process.

The ulna is the longest and thinnest bone in the forearm. In this case, its most massive part was preserved, which was connected with the humerus block and the head of the radius; a significant part of the diaphysis was lost. Fully represented:

ulnar process (olecranon). T. triceps brachii, the main extensor of the forearm, was attached to the tuberosity of this process;

block-shaped notch (incisura trochlearis), articulating with the surface of the block in the distal part of the shoulder. The vertical guiding ridge dividing the notch into medial and lateral parts is quite faintly visible;

the radial notch (incisura radialis) is a small articular surface oriented toward the head of the radius;

coronal process - anterior projection at the base of the semilunar fossa.

In general, only a narrow strip of the anterolateral surface of the olecranon is destroyed on the preserved fragment, but this does not interfere with standard measurements. The feeding holes that should be located on the anterior surface of the diaphysis are not visible, most likely, they were lower, on the lost part. The interosseous ridge on the preserved fragment is not traced.

Method of studying the bone fragment

Macromorphological measurements were performed with an electronic caliper with a resolution of 0.01 mm or 0.0005" (Digital Electronic Caliper, model N GMC-190). The study of the internal structure was carried out after scanning on a Discovery HD 750 volume tomograph (manufactured in the USA). Microfocus X-ray photography was performed on a device of the "PRDU" family. The image receiver was a 14x17-inch screen with a photo-stimulated phosphor.

The measurements were carried out using the methodological recommendations described by R. Martin (see: [Alekseev, 1966]) and Kh. McHenry and co-authors (Mas Nepgu, Corraccini, Howell, 1976). The lists of features and comparative materials are derived from the works of O. Pearson (1997), E. Trinkaus (1983), and V. Sladek et al. (2000).

Features available for study

1. The height of the olecranon (N 9 according to McHenry and Pearson) is the distance from the tip (i.e., the anterior protruding point) of the olecranon to the dorsal surface of the diaphysis. It was measured along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the latter.

2. Dorsovolar thickness in the middle of the articular surface, or olecranon thickness (N 7 according to McHenry and N 6 according to Pearson) - dorsovolar diameter at the midpoint of the sigmoid notch; minimum dorsoventral distance from the middle of the trochlear notch to the dorsal surface of the proximal ulna.

3. Coronal height (N 8 according to McHenry and N 7 according to Pearson) - the distance from the dorsal surface of the diaphysis to the apex of the coronal process. It was measured along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the diaphysis.

4. The position of the tuberosity (N 11 according to McHenry and N 12 according to Pearson) is the distance from the midpoint of the trochlear notch to the middle of the brachial tuberosity.

5. Proximal anterior - posterior diameter (Pearson N 15) - measured from the distal edge of tuberositas brachialis.

6. The length of the olecranon (N 12 according to McHenry and N 13 according to Pearson) is the distance from the midpoint of the articular surface to the most proximal point of the olecranon. It was measured along a line parallel to the long axis of the diaphysis. According to Pearson, this midpoint is slightly higher than the inflection region. In our opinion, it is best defined in the lateral projection.

7. Coronal maximum medio-lateral diameter (Pearson N 8) - the largest medial-lateral diameter. It was measured before the transition of the coronary process to the diaphysis.

8. Medio-lateral diameter, or width of the olekranon (N 6 according to Martin and N 10 according to Pearson) - the largest diameter of the olekranon in the corresponding plane.

9. The anterior width of the articular surface of the coronal process (N 9 according to Martin) is the distance between the most protruding point of the edge of the articular surface of the coronal process and the point of its intersection with the ridge separating the radial notch from the block notch (see: [Alekseev, 1966, Fig. 31]).

10. Posterior width of the articular surface of the coronal process (N 10 according to Martin) - the distance between the most posterior points of the edge of the articular surface of the coronal process and the ridge separating the radial and block notches.

11. Depth of the trochlear notch (fossa) (according to Trincaus) - chord from the height of the trochlear notch (the distance between the ventral projections of the olecranon and the coronal process) to the deepest point on the ridge that divides the trochlear notch.

12. The height of the trochlear tenderloin (according to Trinkaus and N 7 (1) according to Martin) is the distance between the highest points of the trochlear tenderloin.-

protruding points of the coronal and ulnar processes.

13. Proximal trochlear angle ( according to Trinkaus) - between the line connecting the ventral projections of the ulnar and coronal processes with the longitudinal axis of the proximal half of the diaphysis.

14. Dorsovolar (sagittal) diameter (N 11 according to Martin) - usually determined at the level of the greatest development of the interosseous margin. Taking into account the specifics of this object (and the lack of a pronounced edge), as well as incomplete preservation, we tried to measure a little higher, but due to the very strong and asymmetric development of the rear ridge, this was not possible. The size of the section in the corresponding area is better visible on a CT scan.

15. Transverse diameter (N 12 according to Martin) - was determined along a line perpendicular to the dorsolar diameter. At the object under consideration, due to damage, the measurement was carried out slightly higher than usual.

16. Proximal dorsolar diameter (N 14 according to Martin) - determined at the level of the lowest point of the radial notch.

17. Proximal transverse diameter (N 13 according to Martin) - was determined along a line perpendicular to the dorsolar diameter.

18. Proximal circumference (according to Trinkaus) - measured at the level of Martin's proximal diameters. Strictly speaking, in this case it is not a circle, but the length of the contour, which has far from rounded outlines due to the development of tuberosity and ridges, which is clearly visible on the tomographic section (Fig. 2).

19. Index of the diaphysis cross-section-N 11: 12 (according to Martin).

20. Platonov's Index-N 13: 14 (according to Martin).

21. Olecranon height indicator - N 9 (according to McHenry), N 6 (according to Martin).

22. Index of the olekranon depth - N 7: 6 (according to Martin), N 8: 12 (feature numbers in this paper).

23. Index of the articular surface of the coronary process-N 9: 10 (according to Martin).

To complete the picture, we additionally defined:

24. The greatest height of the radial notch.

25. The largest width of the radial notch. We also used a descriptive program for scoring the degree of development of the long bone relief, which allows us to differentially assess the degree of training of certain muscles [Mednikova, 1998]. The severity of the musculoskeletal relief was determined in accordance with three gradations:

1 point - weak development or absence of the trait, 2 points-average development, 3 points-strong development of the trait.

Morphological features

The degree of preservation of the bone from the Chagyr cave made it possible to make sufficiently detailed measurements (Table 1). The ulnar process (olekranon) of the bone from the Chagyr cave is large, sub-square in shape, and developed both in width and height. According to its morphology, the South Siberian individual is close to representatives of the Neanderthal taxon (Fig. 3). In terms of the set of features, its difference from the Upper Paleolithic Sapiens is noticeable. Representatives of the Skhul-Kafzeh group occupy a transitional position. Thus, Skul 5 is located within the limits of Neanderthal variability, Kafzeh 9, Skul 4-Cro-Magnon.

2. Layer-by-layer cross-sections of the ulna from the Chagyr cave obtained by computed tomography (a) in the upper part of the olecranon; (b) in the lower part of the olecranon; (c) in the metaphyseal region; (d) in the upper part of the diaphysis, the "faceted" shape of the diaphysis and powerful trabeculae in the medullary cavity; (e) the lower part of the fragment with a broken compact layer.

Table 1. Measurements of the left ulna of Homo from the Chagyr Cave

3. Differentiation of fossil hominids by the structure of the upper part of the ulna in the space of the first two main components. Neanderthals are blue, early anatomically modern humans are red, and Upper Paleolithic Sapiens are green. Signs: thickness of the olecranon, coronal height, coronal maximum medio-lateral diameter, height of the olecranon, posterior width of the articular surface of the coronal process, position of tuberosity, length of the olecranon, proximal anterior-posterior diameter. Homo fossils: 1-Chagyrskaya; 2-Klasis River; 3-Kaf-zeh 9; 4-Skhul 4; 5-Skhul 5; b-Tabun C1; 7-Shanidar 6; 8-Spi 2; 9-La Chapelle; 10 - Neanderthal; 11-Shanidar 4; 12 - Shanidar 5; 13-Kebara 2; 14-Shanidar 1; 15-Cro-magnon 4729; 76-Larochette; 17-Cro-magnon 2; 18-Cro-magnon 1; 19-Children's Grotto 5; 20-Children's Grotto 4; 21-Neuessing; 22-Pato 231; 23-Pato 230; 24 - Ober-Kassel 2; 25-Oberkassel 1; 26-Paviland; 27-Gafs Cave; 28-La Madeleine.

In general, we can say that by the ratio of the width and height values of the olekranon, "chagy-retz" falls into the field of variability of men of the Shanidar group. Of the European Neanderthals, Spi 2 and one individual from Krapina are the closest to it. In this case, the values of the width and height of the ulnar process can be used to determine gender. At least the diminutive Neanderthal females Tabun C1, Shanidar 6, and Krapina (and with them the African Border Cave) form a completely separate group.

In terms of the thickness of the olecranon (dorsovolar diameter) and coronal height, the studied bone is of medium size; with this in mind, the "Chagyr" is as close as possible to the Neanderthal males La Ferrasi 2 and Shanidar 5, as well as to the Middle Pleistocene African Clasis River (Fig. 4). And, if the height of the trochlear tenderloin is similar to the bone from the Chagyr cave 5), then it occupies an exceptional position in terms of latitudinal development at the level of the coronal process. Only the classical Neanderthal is comparable to the South Siberian individual in terms of the greatest coronal width, but the latter is not so large. According to the size of the proximal trochlear angle, the bone from the Chagyr cave is identical to the left ulna

4. Differentiation of fossil hominids according to the degree of development of the ulnar and coronal processes of the ulna. Regression analysis. 1-Chagyr Cave; 2 - WT15000; 3-VK 66; 4-Omo 1; 5-Klasis River; 6-Border Cave; 7-Skhul 7; 8-Kafzeh 9; 9-Skhul 4; 10-Skhul 5; 11-La Ferrasi 2; 12-Krapina; 13 - Tabun C1; 14-Shanidar 6; 75-Spi 1; 16-Spi 2; 77-La Ferrasi 1; 18-La Chapelle; 19-Neanderthal; 20-Krapina; 21-Shanidar 4; 22-Shanidar 5; 23-Kebara 2; 24-Shanidar 1; 25 - Amud 1; 26-Mladech 25c; 27-Cro-magnon 4729; 28-Cro-Magnon 4301; 29-La Rochette.

5. Differentiation of hominid fossils by the maximum coronal width and height of the trochlear notch. Regression analysis. 7-Chagyr Cave; 2 - VK 66; 3-Omo 1; 4-Klasis River; 5-Border Cave; 6-Skhul 7; 7-Kafzeh 9; 8-Skhul 4; 9-Skhul 5; 10-La Ferrasi 2; 77-Krapina; 12-Herd C1; 13-Shanidar 6; 14-Spi 1; 75-Spi 2; 16-La Ferrasi 1; 77-La Chapelle; 18-Neanderthal; 19-Krapina; 20-Shanidar 4; 21-Shanidar 5; 22-Kebara 2; 23-Shanidar 1; 24-Cro-Magnon 4729; 25 - Cro-Magnon 4301.

6. Value of the proximal trochlear angle of the ulna from the Chagyr cave in comparative illumination.

Neanderthal Shanidar 1. Anatomically modern Homo of the Upper Paleolithic period had a slightly larger angle (Fig. 6).

Descriptive program for the development of musculoskeletal relief

The hominid from the Chagyr cave has a very strongly developed area of ulnar (brachial) tuberosity adjacent to the coronal process from below, which served mainly as the place of attachment of T. brachialis, the flexor of the shoulder, which began on the anterior surface of the humerus. In the opposite part of the diaphysis, the buttress of the tuberosity is a powerful vertically located rear ridge.

The shape of the articular surface of the radial notch is teardrop-triangular, elongated horizontally.

The posterior edge and tuberosity, the crest of the arch support demonstrate maximum development (3 points). The interosseous margin is poorly developed, although the location of the membrane is determined (1 point).

For comparison, we used the results of our observations on the development of bone relief in such a representative of the modern physical type as the Upper Paleolithic male Sungir 1 [Homo sungirensis..., 2000, p. 99]. Its posterior margin is moderately developed on the right (destroyed on the left), the interosseous margin and tuberosity are strongly developed on the left ulna, and to a lesser extent, the supinator crest. Based on these data, it is possible to recreate the individual specifics of the movements characteristic of these fossil people (Table 2). Earlier, when reconstructing the motor activity of the Sungir male, we found the greatest development of the muscle group responsible for the elevator and motor functions of the upper extremities [Ibid., pp. 422-423]. In the relief of the ulna of this individual, the elements that determined the activity of flexion of the forearm in the elbow joint and rotation of the forearm with the hand in the medial direction were strengthened. Of particular interest were the results of reconstruction of functional loads in the area of the wrist joints. The Sungir-1 male was characterized by strong movements of the forearms with a tense static position of the hands, as well as forceful static use of the left hand (clamping an object) and more subtle but energetic actions with the right hand.

The man from the Chagyr cave had a completely different set of typical movements - very intensive use of the left hand (abduction, adduction, flexion of the wrist), the usual rotation of the forearm with the hand outwards and a very weak load on the extensors of the thumb. Thus, while the Sungirite clamped and forcefully held the blanks of stone tools in his left hand, the Altaian Homo apparently used this limb more dynamically and, if he made any tools, did it in a different way. The massive size of the trabeculae, which can be seen in cross-sections, may indicate the colossal intensity of physical exertion in Chagyrts (see Fig. 2), and in the lower part of the bone fragment, these structures fill the medullary canal.

Table 2. Reconstruction of the degree of physical activity

Signs of archaic morphology

Anatomical structures preserved on a fragment of the ulna from the Chagyr cave allow us to discuss some of the features usually associated with Neanderthals. It should be noted that specialists pay great attention to the peculiar morphology of the elbow joint and forearm bones in these hominids. Researchers suggest that the forearm of Neanderthals experienced greater physical exertion than that of Sapiens [Aiello and Dean, 2006, p. 370]. For example, Neanderthals had an enhanced pronation-supination function. The morphology of the proximal part of the ulna also suggests that Neanderthals often used the arm in a bent position. If we consider the structure of the bones that make up the elbow joint, then, for example, with the great similarity of the humerus bones of modern humans and Neanderthals, the latter have a well-developed lateral epicondylar ridge in the distal part of the diaphysis, which is associated with da hypertrophy. extensor radialis longus. The main evidence of enhanced pronation-supination of the hands in Neanderthals is the morphological features of the radius (unfortunately, not yet found in the Chagyr cave). The medial location of the tuberosity is associated with the action of the da lever. biceps brachii and is also characteristic of earlier forms, including Australopithecus and habilis (Trinkaus and Churchill, 1988). Accordingly, many Neanderthals have a long radius neck, like African apes or paranthropes. Other functional features found on the forearm bones of Neanderthals are the powerful supinator crest on the radius and its lateral bend.

Let us consider the morphological features of the bone of an inhabitant of the Chagyr cave.

1. The block-shaped notch of the ulna is oriented anteriorly [Fischer, 1906; Pearson, 1997]. E. Trinkaus qualified this feature by the ratio of the height of the olecranon and the coronal process. If the height index values are large, it means that the fossa is rotated in the anterior direction (Trinkaus, 1983). As O. Pearson points out, this is a sign of early hominids (Pearson, 1997, p. 563), but it is present in such South African forms as Classis River and Border Cave (Churchill et al., 1996; Pearson and Grine, 1996). It was suggested that this feature indicates a weaker development of the shoulder muscle in Neanderthals compared to Sapiens (Endo and Kimura, 1970). As noted in the description of the ulna from Baringo Capturin, since the coronal process serves to attach not only da. brachialis, but also T. flexor digitorum superficialis, yes. pronator teres, it can be assumed that all or one of the listed muscles is weakened (Solan and Day, 1992). But in general, the assumptions about the weakness of the shoulder and deltoid muscles in Neanderthals need to be critically understood, since they contrast with the conclusions of studies on the exceptional skeletal massiveness and, accordingly, muscular strength of these hominids [Trinkaus, 1983; Musgrave, 1970].

By e. Trinkaus and SE. According to Churchill [Trinkaus and Churchill, 1988], the anterior orientation of the block-shaped tenderloin in Neanderthals does not necessarily reflect any special movements in this joint, but rather a habitual posture characteristic of certain physical activities. In Neanderthals, compared to Sapiens, the elbow joint is morphologically more stable when the elbow is partially bent, because in this position the ratio of the joint surface and the joint reaction force is maximal.

So, in Neanderthals, the elbow and forearm were trained thanks to pronation-supination, with these movements the arm bent more strongly than in modern humans. In this respect, the ulna from the Chagyr cave fully corresponds to the features of Neanderthal morphology: it demonstrates both the anterior orientation of the block-shaped notch and the strong development of the supinator crest.

2. In Neanderthals, the interosseous crest on the ulna does not protrude, although the line of attachment of the corresponding membrane is clearly visible. In principle, this is consistent with the pattern of bone relief formation observed in the fragment from the Chagyr cave, although it is possible that the interosseous ridge was present on the missing part of the diaphysis.

3. Unlike modern humans, Neanderthals have gracile ulnar diaphysis. To verify this statement in relation to the find from the Chagyr cave, it is necessary to take into account the value of the massiveness index. However, if the length of the bone can be determined using the regression equation, then it is not possible to calculate the circumference in the lower part of the diaphysis. However, the very large coronal width contrasts with the adjacent part of the diaphysis, which is not dimensionally gracile. So, according to most descriptive features, the ulna from the Chagyr cave can be quite confidently associated with a representative of Archaic (Neanderthal) morphology.

Traces of pathological changes

In the posterior part of the ulnar process, there is a massive exostosis in the form of a flame tongue with a width of 13.80 mm at the base. The reasons for its appearance are determined by-

They were performed by the method of differential diagnosis. We assume the following diagnosis options::

1. Enteropathy in the place of constant and intense physical exertion, accompanied by an increased risk of microtrauma. Ossification of the tendon. The ulnar process (olecranon) served as an attachment point for the triceps brachii, which extended the forearm at the elbow joint and moved the shoulder at the shoulder joint. Another (small) muscle - the anconeus-was also attached to the olecranon and stabilized the elbow joint not only during extension of the arm, but also during pronation/supination. Exostosis in the upper part of the ulnar process may be additional evidence of a high degree of biomechanical impact on the upper limb girdle and forearm, as well as hypertrophied muscle mass. This was typical of Neanderthals.

2. Diffuse idiopathic hyperostosis syndrome (DISH), or Forestier's disease. The diagnosis can only be confirmed if there are other bones in the skeleton. This disease has a systemic character and a metabolic basis. Presumably, it also affected the Neanderthal from Kiik-Koba, who had symmetrical" spurs " on the calcaneus and an outgrowth on the patella (Buzhilova et al., 2008; Trinkaus, Maley, Buzhilova, 2008). According to A. P. Buzhilova, 40% of Neanderthal males of mature age have signs of Forestier's disease (Buzhilova et al., 2008, p. 43). Today, this disease is recorded in 12-20% of people over 60 years of age.

Earlier, and this fact should be paid special attention, diffuse hyperostosis was detected in Shanidarian Neanderthals (Trinkaus, 1983; Crabezy and Trinkaus, 1992). On the partially preserved skeleton of Shanidar 1, there are osteophytic growths on the bodies and processes of the vertebrae, which are not associated with injuries or degenerative-dystrophic changes. Thus, a large osteophyte is marked on the third lumbar vertebra, an exostosis of a smaller size - on the fifth; osteophytes are visible on both calcaneal mounds, paired patellae, on the greater trochanter of the thigh and the coracoid process of the scapula. Most importantly, in Shanidar 1, the t. triceps brachii tendon ossification is observed on the left ulnar process, which is absolutely analogous to that observed in Homo from the Chagyr Cave (Crabezy and Trinkaus, 1992, fig. 2). The Shanidar 4 male was also found to have entesopathy on the patella and ulna (Trinkaus, 1983), but due to the absence of signs of pathology on the heel bones and vertebrae, as well as incomplete preservation of the skeleton, he was not diagnosed with Forestier's disease.

According to current clinical data, DISH is hereditary in nature. Recently, the syndrome is becoming more common with other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (Ivashkin and Sultanov, 2005). The disease is characterized by multiple ossification of tendons, ligaments and joint capsule in the spine and peripheral skeleton, belongs to generalized enteropathy of unknown etiology. Predisposing factors are type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders, often accompanied by obesity. Sometimes Forestier's disease is combined with Ankylosing spondylitis, and every third patient with DISH has the HLA-B27 antigen, so today they often talk about the relationship of these inherited diseases. Forestier's disease develops more often in men than in women, and in middle-aged and older men (after 40-50 years); at the same time, metabolic disorders occur, the anterior longitudinal and other (to a lesser extent) ligaments of the spine are ossified, the anterolateral spine seems to be covered with a shell or bark, the peripheral parts of the skeleton are affected, there are scapular arthritis, bone spurs, hyperostosis of the patellar tendons, ossification of the tendon part of the quadriceps femoris.

In the scientific literature, there are indications that such pathological manifestations are associated with a diet that includes abundant meat and fatty foods [Rogers and Waldron, 2001]. This is quite consistent with the typical Neanderthal diet (Dobrovolskaya, 2005). By the way, if the hyperostosis syndrome in Neanderthals could create a threat of type 2 diabetes, as in modern humans, then the lifestyle of these people, associated with exclusively carnivory, neutralized this danger.

It can be stated that Neanderthals may have been predisposed to the formation of exostoses and osteophytes, and at a relatively young age. The features of this pathology are traced, in particular, in the Shanidars, as well as in the person from the Chagyr cave.

Determination of biological age and gender

The overall configuration of the bone fragment initially indicated that it belonged to an adult individual. The edges of the articular surfaces oriented to the humerus and radius bones are not deformed, which corresponds to a young age. Based on the X-ray image, we can also conclude that the bone belongs to a relatively young person (Figure 7). However, the presence of massive exostosis allows us to assign the hominid to an older age group. However, even supposedly diagnosing a child with

7. X-ray images of the ulna from the Chagyr cave in the anterior-posterior (a) and lateral (b) projections.

We cannot say that the fossil man from the Chagyr cave did not develop this pathology earlier than in modern man, i.e., before the age of 40. The sex of the owner of the ulna is most likely male.

Conclusion

Based on a combination of morphological features (size, proportions, signs of pathology and typical motor activity), it can be concluded that the left ulna from the Chagyr cave could belong to a Neanderthal. It belonged to the large forms that are characteristic, in particular, of some Middle Eastern Neanderthals of the male sex (Shanidar). With the latter, a person from the Chagyr cave is also related to the probable predisposition to Forestier's disease.

Acknowledgements

The author expresses his deep gratitude for the opportunity to explore the unique material from the Chagyr Cave akad. Anatoly Panteleevich Derevyanko and Doctor of Historical Sciences Sergey Vasilyevich Markin, as well as Doctor of Medical Sciences Valentin E. Sinitsyn for their assistance and cooperation in conducting computed tomography, Doctor of Engineering. Doctor of Science Nikolay Nikolaevich Potrakhov and PhD student Viktor Borisovich Bessonov for their assistance in microfocus radiography.

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The article was submitted to the Editorial Board on 13.06.12.

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