Ancestral Pueblo People - Vital Statistics

Hours spent kneeling and grinding corn took their toll on Ancestral Pueblo knees and arms.

Photo by Sally King

Size
The average Ancestral Pueblo man was 5'5" tall while the average woman was 5'. The average size for people in Europe was approximately the same.

Lifespan
The average lifespan was 35 years; however, infant mortality rates were high. A large percentage of children never made it past 2 years of age. There would have been individuals who survived into their 50's and 60's but they would not be among the majority.

Health
Bad teeth and arthritis were common ailments. It was not uncommon for women to die in childbirth. Evidence suggests that injured persons were nursed and supported by the community.