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Tuberculosis has ravaged human populations for thousands of years, both in the New World and Old. In fact, in the 18th century it became known as the "White Death" not only for it's close association with anemia, but also its reputation as a killer of innocence, childhood, and all that is holy (Dormandy 2000). But unfortunately no one has a clear picture as to when or where it came from.

This site hopes to examine several possible origins of tuberculosis in the New World with a specific focus on a skeletal population found at Point Hope, Alaska. I will also discuss a new theory regarding the possible introduction of M. tuberculosis into Eskimo groups via seal hunting practices proposed by Dr. Hilton and colleagues.

In order to best understand the material please follow the links in the order that I have provided in the navigation bar to the left.

The music you hear is traditional Eskimo throat singing. Typically, this is a woman's art, but men have been known to participate as well. It is considered to be more of a breathing or vocal game in Inuit culture, and less as music. To suspend throat singing please press pause.