Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Physical anthropology and Human Evolution in Denmark and other Scandinavian Countries

  • Published:
Human Evolution

Abstract

In Scandinavia the development of physical anthropology and studies on human evolution seem to fall into several stages:

  1. I:

    A speculative, religious and philosophical stage, lasting until the 18th century.

  2. II:

    A stage in which classifications in Natural History are predominant, lasting from the middle of the 18th century until the 1830’s.

  3. III:

    An archaeological/craniological stage with an emphasis on «racial origin», lasting until late in the 19th century. This stage developed into viz. the osteological (VI) and the following (IV):

  4. IV:

    Evolutionary/«social Darwinian» thoughts transformed into eugenics by the 1930’s, when on the one hand it progressed into extreme racism and on the other developed into:

  5. V:

    Human genetics and genetic counselling based on the study of hereditary diseases. Parallel to stage IV, the osteological studies developed further into:

  6. VI:

    Traditional physical anthropology including descriptive palaeopathology. A branch of osteology developed into archaeozoological studies on Man’s environment.

  7. VII:

    The recent interdisciplinary and analytical studies of human biology of ancient populations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alexandersen V., 1967.The pathology of the jaws and the temporomandibular joint. In: Brothwell D.R. & Sandison A.T. (eds.) Diseases in Antiquity. Springfield, C.C. Thomas. 551–595.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alexandersen V., 1988.Description of the Human Dentitions from the Late Mesolithic Grave-Fields at Skateholm, Southern Sweden. In: Larsson, L. (ed.) The Skateholm Project. I. Man and Environment. Stockholm, Almquist & Wiksell. 106–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arbo C.O.G., 1900Er der foregået nye invandringer i Norden? Ymer Stockholm, 1900 (1), 25–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennike P., 1985.Palaeopathology of Danish Skeletons. A comparative study of demography, disease and injury. Copenhhagen. Akademisk Forlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennike P., 1986.Kvinden fra Koelbjerg pa Fyn. En antropologisk vurdering af det œldste menneskefund fra Danmark. The woman from Koelbjerg from Fyn. Fynske Minder, Odense 13–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennike P., 1991.Epidemiological Aspects of Palaeopathology in Denmark. Past, Present, and Future Studies. In: Ortner D.J. and C. Aufderheide (eds.) Human Paleopathology: Current Syntheses and Future Options. Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 140–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boldsen J.L., 1984a.A Statistical Evaluation of the Basis for Predicting Stature from Lengths of Long Bones in European Populations Am. J. Phys. Anthrop. 65 (3), 305–312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boldsen J.L., 1984b.Palaeodemography of two southern Scandinavian Medieval communities. Meddl. Lunds universitets historiska museum, n.s. 5, 107–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonde N., 1977.Cladistic classification as applied to vertebrates. In: Hecht, M. et al. (eds.) Major Patterns in Vertebrate Evolution. New York, Plenum, 741–804.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonde N., 1981.Problems of Species concepts in palaeontology. Int. Symp. Concept. meth. Paleo. Barcelona 19–34.

  • Bonde N., 1983.Human palaeontologi: de seneste frem- og tilbageskridt. Dansk Geol. Foren., Arsskr. 1982, 67–79 (Eng. sum).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonde N., 1989.Erectus and neanderthalensis as subspecies of Homo sapiens. In: Giacobini, G. (ed.) Hominidae-Proceedings of the second internat. Congress on human palaeontology (Torino 1987). Milano, Jaca.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonde N., Hoffmeyer J. & Stangerup H. (eds.) 1985, 1987,Naturens historie fortœllere. Udviklingsideens historie. Bd. I–II. København, Gads Forlag. (Rev. in The Linnean 1988, 50–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonde N., F. Rasmussen 1985.Naturens Orden. In: Bonde, N. et al. (eds.), vol I, 331–64.

  • Bryn H., 1930.Homo Cœsius. Det Kgl. Norske Videnskabers Selskabs Skrifter 1930 (2).

  • Bröste K., Jørgensen, J.B., Becker, C.J. & Brøndsted J. 1956Prehistoric Man in Denmark. Vol. I–II. A Study in Physical Anthropology. København, Munksgaard.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christophersen K.-M., 1940Über die Zahnverhältnisse bei einer Volksgruppe der Wikingerzeit. Acta Odont Scand. 2(1). 87–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coleman W., 1964.Georges Cuvier, zoologist. Cambridge, Harvard Univ. Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coleman W., 1971.Biology of the Nineteenth Century. New York, Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coon C., 1963.Origin of Races. New York, Knopf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cuvier G., 1813.Essays on the theory on the Earth, Edinburgh, Blackwood

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahlberg G., 1948Arv og Race. København, Schønberg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Danielsen K., 1970.Odontodysplasia leprosa in Danish mediaeval skeletons. Tandlægebladet 74. 603–625.

    Google Scholar 

  • Degerbøl M., 1933Danmarks pattedyr i fortiden i sammenligning med recente former. Eng. summary: The Prehistoric Mammals of Denmmark Compared with Recent Forms. Vidensk. Medd fra Dansk Naturhist. foren., 96. 357–641.

    Google Scholar 

  • Düring E., 1986.The Fauna of Alvastra. An osteological Analysis of Animal Bones from a Neolithic Pile Dwelling. Ossa 12 supp. 1. Stockolm Studies in Archaeology 6.

  • Eickstedt E. & Freiherr V., 1934.Rassenkunde und Rassengeschichte der Menschheit. Stuttgart, Ferdinand Enke Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elgmork K., 1988.Aper, mennesker, slektskab og utvikling. Oslo, Universitetsforlaget.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ericson P.G.P., 1987.Osteology of the Eider. The Museum of National Antiquities, Stockholm, 5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eschricht D.F., 1837.Om Hovedskallerne og Benradene i vore gamle Gravhøje. Dansk Folkeblad. 3 (28–29): 109–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer-Møller K., 1942.The Mediaeval Norse Settlements in Greenland. Anthropological investigations. Meddl. om Grønland. 89 (2). København. Reitzel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frölich B., 1986.The human biological history of the Early Bronze Age population in Bahrain. In: Khalifa S.H.A. al & Rice M., Bahrain Through The Ages. The Archaeology, London, 47–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fürst C.M. & Hansen Fr. C.C., 1915. Crania Groenlandica.A description of Greenland Eskimo Crania. Copenhagen, A.F. Høst & Son.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galton F., 1883.Heraditary Genius. London.

  • Gejvall N-G., 1960.Westerhus. Medieval Population and Church in the Light of Skeletal Remains. Lund, Ohlsson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gejvall N.G., 1965.Cremations. In: Brothwell, D.R. & Higgs, E. (ed.) Science in Archaeology. London, Thames & Hudson. 380–390.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gobineau A.J., 1882.Essai sur l’inegalité des races humaines. Vol. 1–2 (Orig. 1853–55, 4 vol.)

  • Gould S.J., 1981.Mismeasure of Man New York. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gould S.J., 1988.Evolution and Human Equality. 42 min. video. Insight Video, Cambridge, Mass U.S.A.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen Fr. C.C., 1924.Anthropologia Medico-Historica Groenlandiœ Antiquœ I. Herjolfnes. Meddl. om Grønland. 67, 293–547.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen J.P., Hart, Meldgaard J. & Nordquist J., (eds.) 1985 Qilakitsoq.De grølandske mumier fra 1400-tallet. København. Ejlers Forlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen S, 1888.Lagoa Santa Racen. (Engl. Summ.) E. Museo Lundii, vol. 1.37 pp.

  • Hansen S., 1934a.Forudsœtningerne for Gobineaus Recelaœre. Nordisk Tidsskrift. N.S. 10, 577–588.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen S., 1934b.Lagoa Santa Racen. Naturens Verden, 33–41.

  • Hatting T., 1983.Osteological investigations on Ovis aries L. Vidensk. Meddl. Dansk Naturhist. Forening 144, 115–135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hajarnø J., Jørgensen J.B. & Vesely M., 1974.Archaeological and anthropological investigations of late heathen graves in Upernavik distric. Meddl. om Grønland. 202 (1).

  • Hoch E., 1979.Reflections on Prehistoric life at Umm an-Nar (Trucial Oman) based on faunal remains from the Third Millinium B.C. South Asian Archaeology 1977. Napoli, Ist. Univ. Orient. 589–638.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoch E., 1984.The influence of Georges Cuvier on the Danish Naturalist Peter Wilhelm Lund. «Father of Brazilian Palaeontology». In: Buffetaut, E., Mazin J.M. & Salmon E. (eds.) Actes du symposium Paleontologique georges Cuvier, Montbeliard, 273–287.

  • Holck P., 1986.Cremated Bones. A medical-anthropological study of an archaeological material on cremated burials Antropologiske Skrifter 1. Oslo. Anatomisk Institut.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holck P., 1990.Den fysishe antropologi i Norge. Antropologishe skrifter 3. Anatomish Institut, Oslo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holm J., 1986.The Quaternary and the Early/Middle Palaeolithic of Denmark. Supp. Bull. L.A.F.E.Q Paris, 75–80.

  • Huxley Th., 1863.Man’s Place in Nature London. William.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iregren E., 1985.The Ethnic Grouping of Populations. The Vivallen cemetery as an example of a methodological study in physical anthropology. Archaeology and Environment. Umea, 211–219.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iregren E., 1988.Skeletmaterial från nyare tid på Nordkalotten. Studia Hist. Septentrionalia 14(1), 35–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Isager K., 1936.Skeletfundene ved Øm Kløster. Kobenhavn, Levin og Munksgaard.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johannsen W., 1907. Om «Kortskaller» og «Langskaller». Oversigt over Det Kgl. Videnskabernes Selskabs Forhandlinger 1907(1), 49–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johannsen W., 1909.Elemente der exakten Erblichkeitslehre. Fischer, Jena.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jørgensen F., 1902.Anthropologiske Undersøgelser fra Føerøerne København, Romers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jørgensen J. Balsley, 1953.The eskimo Skeleton. Contributions to the physical anthropology of the aboriginal Greenlanders Meddl. om Grønland. 146 (2). København. Reitzel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jørgensen J. Balslev, Hansen K. & Ostergaard Hansen A., 1978.Demographic Studies in two villages in the Upernavik District. Meddl. om Grønland, 202(3). 2–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kemp T., 1951.Arvehygiejne. Københavns Universitets Arsfest 1951. København, Bianco Lunos.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kemp T., Hauge M. & B. Harvald (eds.), 1957.Proceedings of the first international congress of human genetics. Basel, Karger.

    Google Scholar 

  • King W., 1864.The reputed fossil man of the Neanderthal. Quart. Ill. Sci. 1, 88–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kraft J., 1760.Kort Fortœlning af de Vilde Folks fornemmeste Indretninger, Skikke og Meninger. Sorø 1760.

  • Kronborg C., 1983.Preliminary of age determination by TL of interglacial and interstadial sediments. PACT, 9. 595–605.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lepikssar J., 1986.The holocene history of Therio fauna in Fennoscandia and Baltic countries. Striæ 24.

  • Linders F.J. & Lundberg H., 1926.The Racial Characters of the Swedish Nation, Uppsala, Almquist & Wiksell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Linné C.V., 1758.Systema Naturœ. 10 udg. Uppsala.

  • Lund P.V., 1831.Anmeldelse i Maanedsskrift for litteratur 6, 309–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lundman B., 1940.Über die Körperhöhensteigerung in den nordischen Ländern seit dem Weltkriege. Zeitschrift für Rassenkunde vol. 11, 1–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lundman B., 1952.Umriss der Rassenkunde des Menschen in Gescichtlicher Zeit. København, Munksgaard.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lundman B.J., 1977.The Races and Peoples of Europe. Int. Ass. Advancement Etnology Eugenics No. 4, New York.

  • Lyell C., 1863.The Antiquity of Man. London, Murray.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyser M., 1653.Culter Anatomius, København. (Eng. ed. 1740).Meddl. Danmarks Antropologi Bd. I–III, 1907–11, 1913 og 1931. Den Antropologiske Komité. Kobenhavn, Gads Forlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mjoen J.A., 1914.Racehygiejne, Kristiana, Dybwads Forlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohr J., 1953.A Study of Linkage in Man. Munksgaard, Kobenhavn.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohr. J., 1979.Human arvebiologi og eugenik. Københavns Universitet 1479–1979, bind VII, 241–54.

  • Møhl-Hansen U., 1955.Første sikre spor af mennesker fra interglacialtid i Danmark. Aarb. Nord. Oldkynd. Hist. 1954, 101–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Møhl U., 1987.Faunalevn fra Argusgrunden. Eng. Summ. Relics of fauna from the Argus bank. In: Fischer A. et al. Argusgrunden. Skov-og Naturstyrelsen, København. 59–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Møller-Christensen V., 1958,Bogen om æbelholt Kloster, København, Dansk Videnskabs Selskab

    Google Scholar 

  • Møller-Christensen V., 1978.Leprosy Changes in the Skull. Odense. Odense University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mørch E.T., 1941.Chondystrophic dwarfs in Denmark. Munksgaard, København.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen H.A., 1915.Fortsatte Bidrag til vort Oldtiasfolks Anthropologi. De Sidste 5–6 Aars Skeletfund fra Stenaldergrave og saerligt de sidste 10–12 Aars Skeletfund fra Jernaldergrave. Aarbøger Nord. Oldk. og Hist. 275–337.

  • Nielsen O. Vagn, 1970.The Nubian Skeleton through 4000 Years. København, Munksgaard.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson S., 1835.Skandinavisk Fauna, Lund 1835, pag. XLIII. (cit. fra Bröst et al. 1956).

  • Nilsson S., 1838–43.Skandinaviska Nordens Ur-Invånere. 2–16. (cit. Bröste et al. 1956).

  • Noe-Nygaard N., 1988.C-13 values of dog bones reveal the nature of changes in man’s food resources at the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, Denmark. Chemical Geol., Isotope Geosci. Sect. 73. 87–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noe-Nygaard N., 1990.Man-made trace fossils on bones. Human Evolution, 4, 461–491.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyegaard G., 1985.Faunalevn fra yngre stenalder pa øerne syd for Fyn. Neolithic Faunal Remains on the Islands South of Fyn. In: Skaarup, J. (ed.) Yngre Stenalder pa øerme sud for Fyn. Rudkøbing. Meddelelser fra Langelands Museum, 425–458.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyström A., 1903.Uppkomsten af Kortskaller och Langskaller-et bidrag til Rasläran. Stockholm. Ljus Forlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nørby S., 1989.Apres 50 ans de génetique médicale: L’expérience danoise. In: Dupui, C. & Valette L. (eds.) Prévention périnatale des anomalies du génome 1989: Une révolutin?. Lyon, 2ème Coll. Bionatal. 274–79.

  • Pàlsson J., 1976.Rassengeschichte Islands. In: Schwidetzky, I. (ed.) Rassengeschichte der Menscheit. Oldenbourg Verlag. 147–154.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pedersen P.O., 1949.The East Greenland Eskimo Dentition. Meddl. om Grønland, 142 (3). KÖbenhavn, Reitzel.Skateholm, Southern Sweden. In: Larsson, L. (ed.) The Skateholm Project I. Man and Environment. Stockholm. Almquist & Wiksell. 89–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Retzius A., 1842.Om Formen af Nordboernes Cranier. Förh. vid. de Skandinaviska Naturforskarnas 3 Möte i Stockholm 1–45.

  • Retzius G., 1899.Crania suecica antiqua. Afton bladets Trycheri, Stockholm.

    Google Scholar 

  • Retzius G. & Furst C.M., 1902Anthropologia Suecica Aftonbladets Truckerie. Stockholm.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richter, J., 1982.Faunal Remains from Ulkestrup Lyng Øst, a hunters dwellingplace. Nord. Fortidsminder 7, 141–177.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richter, J., 1989.Animal husbandry in a Danish Pitted Ware Culture site. Inst. Archaoel., Lund. Rep. Ser. 33, 43–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robson M., 1985.Darwinismens modtagelse i Norden. In: Bonde, N. et al. (eds.), vol. I, 365–382.

  • Sagne S., 1976.The Jaws and Teeth of a Mediaeval Population in Southern Sweden. Ossa 3 (supp 1).

  • Schaafhausen U., 1858.Zur Kenntnis der ältesten Rassenschädel. Arch. Anat. Physiol. 25, 453–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Schreiner A., 1932.Antropologische Lokaluntersuchungen in Norge. Hellemo. (Tysfjordlappen). Skr. norske Vidensk. Akad. I. Mat.-Naturv. Klasse 1932 No 1 Oslo, Jacob Dybwad.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schreiner K.E., 1935.Zur Osteologie der Lappen. Instituttet for sammenlignende kulturforskning. Serie B. No. 18 (2) Oslo, Aschehoug & Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schreiner K.E., 1946.Crania Norvegica II. Oslo, Aschehoug & Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schultz-Ewerth E., 1935.Der heutige Stand der farbigen Gefahr. Zeitzchrift fur Rassenkunde, 1 (1) 65–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwidetzky I., 1988.Geschichte der Anthropologie. In: Knussmann, R. (ed.)Anthropologie. Handbuch der vergleichenden Biologie des Menschen. Stuttgart Gustav Fischer, 47–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sellevold B., Jansen, Lund U. Lund & Jørgensen J. Balslev 1984.Iron Age Man in Denmark. Prehistoric Man in Denmark. København, Kgl. Nordiske Oldskriftsselskab.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sjøvold T., 1977.Non-metrical Divergence between Skeletal populations. The Theoretical Foundation and Biological Importance of C.A.B. Smith’s Mean Measure of Divergence. Ossa 4 (supp 1), Stockholm.

  • Sjøvold T., 1988.Geslechtsdiagnose am Skelett. In: Knussmann, R. (ed.), Anthropologie. Fischer, Stuttgart. 444–480.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snorrason E., 1969.Anatomen J.-B Winsløw 1669–1760. København, Novo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stangerup H., 1984.The Road to Lagoa Santa. Boyars, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steenstrup J., 1865.Menneskeslœgtens tidligste optrœden i Europa. København, Schultz.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steenstrup J. 1888.Mammuthjœger-Stationem ved Predmost. Kgl. Dansk. Vidensk. selsk. forhandl. København. 145–212.

  • Swärdstedt T., 1966.Odontological Aspects of a Medieval population in the Province of Jämtland/Mid-Sweden. Diss. Lund.

  • Tauber H. 1986a.Analysis of stable isotopes in prehistoric populations. In: B. Herrmann (ed.) Innovative Trends in der prähistorische Anthropologie. Göttingen. 31–39.

  • Tauber H., 1986b.Koelbjerg-kvindens alder og ernœring. Eng. summ. Age and diet of the Koelbjerg-woman. Fynske Minder 1986. 28–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomsen C.J., 1836.Ledetraad til Nordisk Oldkyndighed. København.

  • Thomsen E., 1985.Menneskets oprindelse. Aarhus. Niche.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tkocz I. & Brøndum N., 1985.Anthropological Analyses. Medieval Skeletons from the Franciscan Cemetery in Svendborg. Odense, Odense Univ. Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Torgersen J., 1976.Rassengeschichte von Scandinavien. In: Schwidetzky, I. Rassengeschichte der Menschheit. Europa II, Ost-und Nordeuropa. Münschen, Oldenbourg Verlag, 103–141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trolle-Lassen T., 1987.Human Exploitation of fur animals in Mesolithic Denmark-a case study. ArchaeoZoologia I(2).85–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Udjus L.G., 1964.Anthropometrical Changes in Norwegian Men in the Twentieth Century. Oslo, Universitetsforlaget.

    Google Scholar 

  • Virchow R., 1870.Die altnordischen Schädel zu Kopenhagen. Archiv fur Anthropologie IV, 55–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Virchow R., 1872.Untersuchung des Neanderthal-Schädels. Z. Ethnol. 4, 157–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winge H. 1904.Om jordfundne Pattedyr fra Danmark. Vid. Meddl. Dansk Naturhist. Foren. 56.

  • Winsløw J.H., 1722.Conformation particuliere du Crane d’un Sauvage de l’Amerique septentrionale. Histoire de l’Academie Royale des Sciences. Paris, 322–324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aaris-Sørensen K., 1980.Atlantic fish, reptile and birds remains from the Mesolithic settlement at Vedbaek, North Zealand. Vidensk. Meddl. Dansk Naturhist. Foren. 142. 139–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aaris-Sørensen K., 1988.Danmarks forhistoriske dyreverden. København, Gyldendal.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biological Anthropology, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark

    P. Bennike

  2. Institute of Historical Geology and Palaeontology, Østervoldgade 10, DK-1350, Copenhagen K, Denmark

    N. Bonde

Authors
  1. P. Bennike
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. N. Bonde
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bennike, P., Bonde, N. Physical anthropology and Human Evolution in Denmark and other Scandinavian Countries. Hum. Evol. 7, 69–84 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02437455

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02437455

Key words

Search

Navigation