Virtual skeletons and digital muscles: an experimental bioarchaeological approach to the pre-Hispanic production of millstones (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

Research demonstrates that the repeated use of the right arm during pre-Hispanic millstone production in Teide National Park (Tenerife) could lead to distinct musculoskeletal changes, observable in archaeological bone records. The study leverages open-access Kinovea software for biomechanical analysis, revealing a predominance of muscle engagement—particularly the biceps brachii and brachioradialis—as well as specific postural angles during indirect percussion and abrasion tasks. Unlike costly motion capture systems, Kinovea proves reliable in virtually reconstructing human postures, enabling more precise 'virtual skeletons' for archaeological contexts. This approach enhances our understanding of ancient labor impacts while offering a scalable tool for digital archaeology.

Carballo-Pérez, J., Marrero-Gordillo, N., Lacave-Hernández, A., & Arnay-de-la-Rosa, M. (2022). Virtual skeletons and digital muscles: an experimental bioarchaeological approach to the pre-Hispanic production of millstones (Tenerife, Canary Islands). Virtual Archaeology Review, 14(28), 19–37. https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2023.17781