This paper investigates the changes in
upper and lower limb robusticity and activity patterns
that accompanied the transition to a Neolithic subsistence
in western Liguria (Italy). Diaphyseal robusticity measures
were obtained from cross-sectional geometric properties
of the humerus and femur in a sample of 16 individuals
(eight males and eight females) dated to about 6,000–
5,500 BP. Comparisons with European Late Upper Paleolithics
(LUP) indicate increased humeral robusticity in
Neolithic Ligurian (NEOL) males, but not in females, with
a significant reduction in right-left differences in both
sexes. Sexual dimorphism in robusticity increases in
upper and lower limb bones. Regarding the femur, while
all female indicators of bending strength decrease steadily
through time, values for NEOL males approach those of
LUP. This suggests high, and unexpected, levels of mechanical
stress for NEOL males, probably reflecting the
effects of the mountainous terrain on lower limb remodeling.
Comparisons between NEOL males and a small sample
of LUP hunter-gatherers from the same area support
this interpretation. In conclusion, cross-sectional geometry
data indicate that the transition to Neolithic economies
in western Liguria did not reduce functional requirements
in males, and suggest a marked sexual division of
labor involving a more symmetrical use of the upper limb,
and different male-female levels of locomotory stress.
When articulated with archaeological, faunal, paleopathological,
and ethnographic evidence, these results support
the hypothesis of repetitive, bimanual use of axes tied to
pastoral activities in males, and of more sedentary tasks
linked to agriculture in females