A case of enlarged parietal foramina or foramina parietalia permagna in an individual from the Chinchorro Culture of northern Chile (4000 BP)

A rare genetic anomaly, foramina parietalia permagna (FPP), has been identified in a 4000-year-old Chinchorro culture individual from northern Chile. This discovery suggests that FPP was present in early Andean populations and may have been influenced by endogamy or mutagenic factors. The study used macroscopic and radiological evaluations to analyze bone lesions, along with strontium isotopic analysis to determine dietary patterns. Additionally, the research found evidence of perimortem trauma, contributing to our understanding of both genetic anomalies and past population dynamics in the region.

Standen, V. G., Monsalve, S., Arriaza, B., Verano, J., & Rivera, M. (2025). A case of enlarged parietal foramina or foramina parietalia permagna in an individual from the Chinchorro Culture of northern Chile (4000 BP). International Journal of Paleopathology, 48, 34–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2024.11.004