Analysis of dental wear, pathology and diet in urban and rural people who lived in the 18th and 19th century Cape Town, South Africa.

The Polyoak (rural) and Green Point (urban) archaeological sites represent distinct populations in Cape Town during the 18th and 19th centuries. Dental pathology and macrowear in 55 individuals (595 teeth) were examined to assess overall health and diet. Despite limitations from skeletal fragmentation and commingling, which restricted age and sex estimation, the findings provide valuable insights into health conditions in the Cape during this period and demonstrate the contribution of bioarchaeological research to understanding past lived experiences. We recorded 868 pathological features, including linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), caries, and abscesses, indicating a biologically stressful environment. Women and individuals under 35 years showed the highest levels of stress, likely linked to nutritional constraints and infectious exposure. Rural Polyoak residents generally lived longer with better dental health and less abrasive wear. In contrast, urban residents at Green Point faced higher health risks associated with increased population density, abrasive diets, and tobacco use; evidenced by pipe-smokers wear in ten individuals. Furthermore, pronounced anterior macrowear across both sites suggests the use of teeth as a third hand for non-dietary tasks. These results highlight the distinct socio-cultural and health disparities between urban and rural environments in the colonial Cape.