Abstract: While cribra orbitalia studies have been undertaken in many parts of the world, until recently little was known about ancient human health in China. Focusing on skeletal pathologies, this paper documentsthe results of the first complete analysis of frequencies and pathogenic factors of cribra orbitalia of Bronze Age skulls from Xinjiang, China. The incidence of cribra orbitalia of 61skulls from Yanghai cemetery were observed, with the following results: 44.4% of 45 adults had cribra orbitalia; and 75% presence in the group of age 16 and under. Therewas also a marked sexual difference in the frequency of cribra orbitalia. Since the Yanghai nationality did not have enough food or lived mainly on flesh without enough iron, these results suggest that iron deficiency anemia is the major cause of cribra orbitalia.

Key words: Xinjiang; Bronze age; Cribra orbitalia; Anemia; Iron deficiency