The Starving Time- Jamestown 1609-1610

By: Honey Morales

According to US experts, newly found human bones show that during the brutal winter of 1609–1610, the first permanent English immigrants in North America turned to cannibalism.

Scientists examined human bones buried in a garbage pit and discovered peculiar cuts that were compatible with slaughtering for meat.

A adolescent girl's skull and tibia from four centuries ago were discovered in the landfill last year near James Fort, Virginia.

The original section of the Jamestown settlement was James Fort, which was established in 1607.

The evidence strongly suggests that this person was dismembered and de-fleshed "forensic anthropologist Doug Owsley from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, said.

The finding of the 14-year-old girl's bones provides the first scientific evidence of cannibalism, which had previously been implied in written records about the famished colonists.

According to Smithsonian experts, the deceased kid was used as sustenance by a population trying to survive the brutal winter of 1609–1610, often known as the Starving Period.

The left side of the head was punctured in order to essentially pry it off, according to Dr. Owsley. "There were numerous chops and cuts - chops to the forehead, chops to the back of the skull, and also a puncture to the left side of the head," he said. The goal was to remove the brain,

The removal of the tongue and face tissue is also indicated by the marks.

He claimed that it was obvious that the facial tissue and brain were intended for ingestion. "They were in extremely difficult situations. Hence, whatever available flesh would have been consumed."

In the 17th century, the same animal flesh would have been regarded as a delicacy. Very extensively included in dishes from the time were hog heads.

The girl's bones were cut, which further suggests that the dismemberment was executed by a less-than-skilled butcher.

It is also conceivable the ersatz butcher was a woman, given ladies made up the majority of the fort's occupants.

The girl's cause of death is unknown, although the attack on her body would have happened very quickly.

Because brains do not preserve well, you would need to act swiftly if you attempted to [remove] it "explained Dr. Owsley.

Dr. Owsley collaborated closely with Jamestown Rediscovery Project chief archaeologist William Kelso. During work at James Fort in 2013, Dr. Kelso found the girl's remains.

Other from her age and the fact that she was English, not much is known about the victim. Comparative analyses of bones in Cambridge have established her origin.

Further research reveals she once had a diet typical of the wealthy classes, one that included plenty of meat and showed she was well-nourished.

Digital and forensic facial reconstruction have provided researchers with a notion of her appearance. The broken skull was scanned, and the resulting digital data used as a virtual model for creating a three-dimensional replica.

One of the most horrifying eras in early colonial history was The Starving Period. The native Indian population was laying siege to the James Fort settlers, who also lacked enough food for the winter.

After eating their horses, they subsequently consumed their dogs, cats, rats, mice, and snakes. Some others ate the leather from their shoes to sate their ferocious hunger.

Nothing was spared to keep life going as the weeks became months. Unknown is the exact percentage of the rising death toll that was consumed. The girl was almost certainly not the only victim, though.

Lord De La Warr, who arrived at the colony with supplies and additional settlers, brought relief. Only 60 of the original 300 inhabitants had survived the six-month siege and famine.

Cannibalism was described by Dr. Owsley as someone doing what they had to do.

Photo Source: Carolyn Kaster / AP