Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Apr 1, 2018
Recent analyses of archaeological collections have suggested that the frequency, location and mic... more Recent analyses of archaeological collections have suggested that the frequency, location and micro-morphometric characteristics of cut marks produced when cleaning partially decayed bodies are significantly different from butchery of fresh bodies. The present study attempts to verify this hypothesis by performing incisions into pig body parts at different stages of decay, using different hand pressures and two different types of tool. Focus variation microscopy was used for metric evaluations of experimentally produced cut marks. The clearest metric correlation observed was that greater cutting strength produces wider and deeper cut marks. We also observed that in general, when using the same strength, wider and deeper cut marks are produced on bone with less meat due to the decay (i.e. reduction) of organic tissues. It was also observed that liquefying tissues affect the precision of incisions, causing tools to slip on decaying remains. Finally, no clear metric or morphological differences were observed between cut marks produced using unretouched flakes and unretouched blades.
Cut-marks observed on fossil bones and teeth are an important source of evidence in the reconstru... more Cut-marks observed on fossil bones and teeth are an important source of evidence in the reconstruction of prehistoric butchery strategies. Micromorphological analyses of cut-marks have been shown to further the interpretation of hominin behavioural patterns. However, to date, the microscopic investigation of cut-marks has been limited to two-dimensional analyses or to the qualitative assessment of three-dimensional (3D) morphology. A new
Application of 3-dimensional microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomograp... more Application of 3-dimensional microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography to the study of humanly modified faunal assemblages.
The exceptional survival of Middle Pleistocene wooden spears at Schöningen (Germany) and Clactono... more The exceptional survival of Middle Pleistocene wooden spears at Schöningen (Germany) and Clactonon-Sea (UK) provides tantalizing evidence for the widespread use of organic raw materials by early humans. At Clacton, less well-known organic artefacts include modified bones that were identified by the Abbé Henri Breuil in the 1920s. Some of these pieces were described and figured by Hazzledine Warren in his classic 1951 paper on the flint industry from the Clacton Channel, but they have been either overlooked in subsequent studies or dismissed as the product of natural damage. We provide the first detailed analysis of two Clactonian bone tools found by Warren and a previously unrecognized example recovered in 1934 during excavations directed by Mary Leakey. Microscopic examination of percussion damage suggests the bones were used as knapping hammers to shape or resharpen flake tools. Early Palaeolithic bone tools are exceedingly rare, and the Clacton examples are the earliest known organic knapping hammers associated with a core-and-flake (Mode 1) lithic technology. The use of soft hammers for knapping challenges the consensus that Clactonian flintknapping was undertaken solely with hard hammerstones, thus removing a major technological and behavioural difference used to distinguish the Clactonian from late Acheulean handaxe (Mode 2) industries. In his description of the Lower Palaeolithic Clactonian flint industry from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex (UK), Samuel Hazzledine Warren illustrates three bones [ref. 1 , Plate 6-7] that he regarded as having been worked and used. These potential ~ 400,000-year-old tools were illustrated but not described in detail; they were interpreted as a polished radius of a red deer, an axe-edged tool made from a rhinoceros radius and a 'bar-hammer' (billet) made from a deer tibia. Warren [ref. 1 , p.129] also refers to a second 'bar-hammer' made from a rhinoceros radius. The specimens have since fallen into obscurity and the consensus has followed Wymer's [ref. 2 , p.282] opinion that these bones were modified by natural agencies. As a result, the Clacton 'bar-hammers' have been overlooked in reviews of the Clactonian 3-8. Although the oldest bone tools are found at Olduvai 9,10 as early as 2.1 million years ago (Ma) and slightly later between 1 and 2 Ma at sites in southern Africa 11-13 , it isn't until the later part of the Middle Pleistocene that bone tools become more widespread with examples from sites in the Near East and Europe. Recent studies 14-25 have shown that Middle Pleistocene hominins used a variety of antler and bone implements as hammers and anvils to shape and re-sharpen flint tools. The adoption of soft hammers is a significant technological advance that allowed greater precision and refinement in lithic tool production usually associated with later Acheulean handaxes (Mode 2) and Levallois and Mousterian flake tools (Mode 3). The development of soft hammer knapping techniques is generally seen as reflecting increased cognitive abilities in Pleistocene hominin populations 26,27 , which separated these groups from hominins making technologically simpler (Mode 1) stone tools. This dichotomy is challenged, however, by the discovery of exceptionally well-preserved bone tools associated with a core-andflake industry at the 300,000-year-old horse butchery and spear site at Schöningen, Germany 28 , which also includes the earliest known multipurpose bone tools 17,18. Here, bones were used in various percussion tasks that involved anvils, knapping flint and cracking bones for their marrow 17,18,23,24. These finds have prompted debates on the 'level' of cognitive ability and behavioural sophistication of early hominin populations and how bone tool technologies were maintained and transferred between different populations or independently acquired in separate geographical regions 22 .
The 84th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, St. Louis, MO, 2015
ABSTRACT Distinguishing cannibalism from ritualistic practices involving defleshing and disarticu... more ABSTRACT Distinguishing cannibalism from ritualistic practices involving defleshing and disarticulation of a body without consumption of any human tissue (such as secondary burial and trophy taking) commonly relies on the analysis of skeletal element representation and the identification of bone modifications (cut marks, bone breakage patterns, human tooth marks, cooking traces). It has been suggested that cannibalism can only be demonstrated when the archaeological context and bone modifications can be directly linked to nutritional exploitation of the body. We present here a comparison between a human bone assemblage interpreted as cannibalism (Gough’s Cave, UK; Upper Palaeolithic, ~14,700 cal BP) and three assemblages of disarticulated human bones interpreted as funerary defleshing and disarticulation after a period of decay (Padina, Vlasac, and Lepenski Vir, Serbia; Mesolithic-Neolithic, ~9,500–5,500 BC). Results have shown that the distribution of cut-marks is comparable in the four assemblages and can equally be associated with disarticulation, defleshing, skinning and fileting of the muscle mass. The difference in the frequency of modification, however, is highly significant. The frequency of cut marks at Gough’s Cave exceeds 65%, while it is below 1% in the Serbian sites, and no percussion or human tooth marks have been observed on the three Serbian collections. Results suggest that a higher frequency of bone modification is compelling evidence for processing of the human body during cannibalism.
The 84th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, St. Louis, MO, 2015
ABSTRACT Cut-marks are produced when a knife (of flint, metal etc.) strikes the surface of a bone... more ABSTRACT Cut-marks are produced when a knife (of flint, metal etc.) strikes the surface of a bone. Cutmarked human remains are surprisingly common in prehistoric contexts. Ascertaining the interval between an organism’s death and the production of cut-marks often remains uncertain, relying on indirect evidence. New 3-Dimensional technology (the Alicona InfiniteFocus Microscope) enables micro-morphometric characteristics of cut-marks to be quantified. This paper presents research that aims to determine whether cut-marks on a fresh corpse leave different micro-morphometric traces than those occurring after a period of decomposition. Cut-marks on human and non-human remains from four prehistoric sites have been analysed: the British Upper Palaeolithic (~14,700 cal BP) site of Gough’s Cave, interpreted as cannibalism, and the Serbian Mesolithic-Neolithic sites (~9,500–5,500 BC) of Padina, Vlasac and Lepenski Vir interpreted as funerary defleshing and disarticulation after a period of decay. Results have shown that the micro-morphology of cut-marks on human and non-human remains at Gough’s Cave are similar and relate to specific butchery tasks. The micro-metrics, however, are different, probably due to differences in body size. At the three Serbian sites, both the micromorphology and micro-metrics of cut-marks on human and non-humans remains differ, suggesting that the human remains were not butchered or fresh when cut. This pilot study suggests that micro-morphometric characteristics of cut-marks can be used to infer past funerary behaviour, and it would be valuable to increase the size of this data-set.
Post-mortem manipulations of the body were common at Mesolithic-Neolithic sites along the Danube ... more Post-mortem manipulations of the body were common at Mesolithic-Neolithic sites along the Danube River. During assessment of disarticulated human remains from Lepenski Vir, an unusual set of incisions (notches) were observed on the diaphysis of a human left radius along with a few cut-marks. Very few studies have attempted to distinguish clearly the characteristics of these modifications. All incisions were examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope and a Focus Variation Microscope that generated measurable three-dimensional digital models. Our results indicate that, on the basis of their micromorphometric features, qualitative and quantitative distinctions can be made between cutmarks and notches, a methodology which can be applied to other engraved bones. Cut-marks, accidentally produced during flesh removal, were more irregular, longer, narrower and shallower than the notches. The notches, produced by a 'nick and slice' motion (pressure was applied to the bone, then the tool was pulled in one direction), were deliberately engraved. This engraved human bone is a rare example within a Prehistoric European context, possibly a form of notation, marking or counting a series of (important) events.
Ponencia presentada en: Pathways to Ancient Britain Project Workshop QMUL: London, United Kingdom... more Ponencia presentada en: Pathways to Ancient Britain Project Workshop QMUL: London, United Kingdom, 14-15 may, 2015
Les gestes funeraires. Etat de conservation du materiel osteologique. Des particularites demograp... more Les gestes funeraires. Etat de conservation du materiel osteologique. Des particularites demographiques propres au site des Fedons. Recherches de liens de parente et donnees sur l'etat sanitaire et social.
One of the author names was misspelled in the paper. 'Lucia Burgia' should be amended to 'Lucia B... more One of the author names was misspelled in the paper. 'Lucia Burgia' should be amended to 'Lucia Burgio' and the author list should be as follows:
Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d'Anthropologie de Paris Numéro 14 (3-4) (2002) Tome 14, Fasc... more Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d'Anthropologie de Paris Numéro 14 (3-4) (2002) Tome 14, Fascicule 3-4 (2002)
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Dec 1, 2016
At the Mesolithic-Neolithic sites (9500-5500 cal BCE) of Lepenski Vir and Vlasac in the Danube Go... more At the Mesolithic-Neolithic sites (9500-5500 cal BCE) of Lepenski Vir and Vlasac in the Danube Gorges of Serbia, numerous disarticulated human remains were unearthed along with articulated skeletons. In many cases primary burial was only a temporary stage in the funerary ritual and skeletonised bodies were exhumed, manipulated, and relocated. The majority of bodies were left to decay within the ground prior to exhumation and disarticulation. In some instances, however, the presence of cut-marks indicates that human intervention occurred before completion of the natural decay process. In this paper we present frequency, distribution and micro-morphometric analyses of cut-marks on disarticulated human bones from Lepenski Vir and Vlasac. The use of a Focus Variation Microscope (the Alicona 'InfiniteFocus') has enabled 3-dimensional quantitative analyses of cut-mark characteristics. The location and infrequency of cut-marks strongly suggest that active defleshing was not a systematic part of funerary ritual at these sites, but it more likely occurred on bodies that were accidentally unearthed prior to skeletonisation. Based on the micro-morphometric analysis, discernible and measurable differences exist between different cutting practices and we now better understand the ways in which human bodies were treated. Taking into account other taphonomic observations, we suggest that cutting occurred on partially decomposed bodies.
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Aug 23, 2012
An isolated adult human ulna fragment recovered from the 'black mould' layer of Kent's Cavern by ... more An isolated adult human ulna fragment recovered from the 'black mould' layer of Kent's Cavern by William Pengelly in 1866 exhibits a series of stone-tool cut-marks. The specimen has been directly AMS 14 C-dated to 7314-7075 cal BC (OxA-20588: 8185 ± 38 BP), and may be from the same individual as a maxilla fragment dated to the same period. The cut-marks are located on the olecranon process, in a position indicative of dismemberment, while the fracture characteristics of the bone furthermore suggest peri-mortem breakage, typical of butchery for the extraction of marrow. We here present and discuss the specimen, and consider both ritual mortuary treatment and anthropophagy as possible explanations. While it is difficult to interpret a single element in isolation, the latter scenario seems to be better supported, and is not without parallel in prehistoric Europe, as indicated by a review of the available literature. Located near Torquay on the Devon coast of southwest England, Kent's Cavern (Figure 1), is best known for yielding the earliest anatomically modern human bone currently identified in
Genetic investigations of Upper Palaeolithic Europe have revealed a complex and transformative hi... more Genetic investigations of Upper Palaeolithic Europe have revealed a complex and transformative history of human population movements and ancestries, with evidence of several instances of genetic change across the European continent in the period following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Concurrent with these genetic shifts, the post-LGM period is characterized by a series of significant climatic changes, population expansions and cultural diversification. Britain lies at the extreme northwest corner of post-LGM expansion and its earliest Late Glacial human occupation remains unclear. Here we present genetic data from Palaeolithic human individuals in the United Kingdom and the oldest human DNA thus far obtained from Britain or Ireland. We determine that a Late Upper Palaeolithic individual from Gough's Cave probably traced all its ancestry to Magdalenian-associated individuals closely related to those from sites such as El Mirón Cave, Spain, and Troisième Caverne in Goyet, Belgi...
<p>(A) Drawing of the tool with sequence of post-depositional breaks indicated [<a href=... more <p>(A) Drawing of the tool with sequence of post-depositional breaks indicated [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0202021#pone.0202021.ref001" target="_blank">1</a>–<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0202021#pone.0202021.ref003" target="_blank">3</a>]; (B) Photograph of the cortical side, sharp edge, trabecular side, smooth edge, tip and base of the tool. (C) SEM images detailing (a) scrape marks and polish along the smooth edge on the cortical side of the tool and (b) deep scrape marks (re-sharpening) along the sharp edge on the cortical side; (c) flaking near the tip of the tool, and (d) detail of the flat break surface near the base of the tool; (e) wear pattern near the sharp edge on the trabecular side of the tool, and (f) deep scrape-marks near the smooth edge on the trabecular side; (g) flaking close to the tip, and (h) polishing of the smooth edge of the tool.</p
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Apr 1, 2018
Recent analyses of archaeological collections have suggested that the frequency, location and mic... more Recent analyses of archaeological collections have suggested that the frequency, location and micro-morphometric characteristics of cut marks produced when cleaning partially decayed bodies are significantly different from butchery of fresh bodies. The present study attempts to verify this hypothesis by performing incisions into pig body parts at different stages of decay, using different hand pressures and two different types of tool. Focus variation microscopy was used for metric evaluations of experimentally produced cut marks. The clearest metric correlation observed was that greater cutting strength produces wider and deeper cut marks. We also observed that in general, when using the same strength, wider and deeper cut marks are produced on bone with less meat due to the decay (i.e. reduction) of organic tissues. It was also observed that liquefying tissues affect the precision of incisions, causing tools to slip on decaying remains. Finally, no clear metric or morphological differences were observed between cut marks produced using unretouched flakes and unretouched blades.
Cut-marks observed on fossil bones and teeth are an important source of evidence in the reconstru... more Cut-marks observed on fossil bones and teeth are an important source of evidence in the reconstruction of prehistoric butchery strategies. Micromorphological analyses of cut-marks have been shown to further the interpretation of hominin behavioural patterns. However, to date, the microscopic investigation of cut-marks has been limited to two-dimensional analyses or to the qualitative assessment of three-dimensional (3D) morphology. A new
Application of 3-dimensional microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomograp... more Application of 3-dimensional microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography to the study of humanly modified faunal assemblages.
The exceptional survival of Middle Pleistocene wooden spears at Schöningen (Germany) and Clactono... more The exceptional survival of Middle Pleistocene wooden spears at Schöningen (Germany) and Clactonon-Sea (UK) provides tantalizing evidence for the widespread use of organic raw materials by early humans. At Clacton, less well-known organic artefacts include modified bones that were identified by the Abbé Henri Breuil in the 1920s. Some of these pieces were described and figured by Hazzledine Warren in his classic 1951 paper on the flint industry from the Clacton Channel, but they have been either overlooked in subsequent studies or dismissed as the product of natural damage. We provide the first detailed analysis of two Clactonian bone tools found by Warren and a previously unrecognized example recovered in 1934 during excavations directed by Mary Leakey. Microscopic examination of percussion damage suggests the bones were used as knapping hammers to shape or resharpen flake tools. Early Palaeolithic bone tools are exceedingly rare, and the Clacton examples are the earliest known organic knapping hammers associated with a core-and-flake (Mode 1) lithic technology. The use of soft hammers for knapping challenges the consensus that Clactonian flintknapping was undertaken solely with hard hammerstones, thus removing a major technological and behavioural difference used to distinguish the Clactonian from late Acheulean handaxe (Mode 2) industries. In his description of the Lower Palaeolithic Clactonian flint industry from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex (UK), Samuel Hazzledine Warren illustrates three bones [ref. 1 , Plate 6-7] that he regarded as having been worked and used. These potential ~ 400,000-year-old tools were illustrated but not described in detail; they were interpreted as a polished radius of a red deer, an axe-edged tool made from a rhinoceros radius and a 'bar-hammer' (billet) made from a deer tibia. Warren [ref. 1 , p.129] also refers to a second 'bar-hammer' made from a rhinoceros radius. The specimens have since fallen into obscurity and the consensus has followed Wymer's [ref. 2 , p.282] opinion that these bones were modified by natural agencies. As a result, the Clacton 'bar-hammers' have been overlooked in reviews of the Clactonian 3-8. Although the oldest bone tools are found at Olduvai 9,10 as early as 2.1 million years ago (Ma) and slightly later between 1 and 2 Ma at sites in southern Africa 11-13 , it isn't until the later part of the Middle Pleistocene that bone tools become more widespread with examples from sites in the Near East and Europe. Recent studies 14-25 have shown that Middle Pleistocene hominins used a variety of antler and bone implements as hammers and anvils to shape and re-sharpen flint tools. The adoption of soft hammers is a significant technological advance that allowed greater precision and refinement in lithic tool production usually associated with later Acheulean handaxes (Mode 2) and Levallois and Mousterian flake tools (Mode 3). The development of soft hammer knapping techniques is generally seen as reflecting increased cognitive abilities in Pleistocene hominin populations 26,27 , which separated these groups from hominins making technologically simpler (Mode 1) stone tools. This dichotomy is challenged, however, by the discovery of exceptionally well-preserved bone tools associated with a core-andflake industry at the 300,000-year-old horse butchery and spear site at Schöningen, Germany 28 , which also includes the earliest known multipurpose bone tools 17,18. Here, bones were used in various percussion tasks that involved anvils, knapping flint and cracking bones for their marrow 17,18,23,24. These finds have prompted debates on the 'level' of cognitive ability and behavioural sophistication of early hominin populations and how bone tool technologies were maintained and transferred between different populations or independently acquired in separate geographical regions 22 .
The 84th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, St. Louis, MO, 2015
ABSTRACT Distinguishing cannibalism from ritualistic practices involving defleshing and disarticu... more ABSTRACT Distinguishing cannibalism from ritualistic practices involving defleshing and disarticulation of a body without consumption of any human tissue (such as secondary burial and trophy taking) commonly relies on the analysis of skeletal element representation and the identification of bone modifications (cut marks, bone breakage patterns, human tooth marks, cooking traces). It has been suggested that cannibalism can only be demonstrated when the archaeological context and bone modifications can be directly linked to nutritional exploitation of the body. We present here a comparison between a human bone assemblage interpreted as cannibalism (Gough’s Cave, UK; Upper Palaeolithic, ~14,700 cal BP) and three assemblages of disarticulated human bones interpreted as funerary defleshing and disarticulation after a period of decay (Padina, Vlasac, and Lepenski Vir, Serbia; Mesolithic-Neolithic, ~9,500–5,500 BC). Results have shown that the distribution of cut-marks is comparable in the four assemblages and can equally be associated with disarticulation, defleshing, skinning and fileting of the muscle mass. The difference in the frequency of modification, however, is highly significant. The frequency of cut marks at Gough’s Cave exceeds 65%, while it is below 1% in the Serbian sites, and no percussion or human tooth marks have been observed on the three Serbian collections. Results suggest that a higher frequency of bone modification is compelling evidence for processing of the human body during cannibalism.
The 84th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, St. Louis, MO, 2015
ABSTRACT Cut-marks are produced when a knife (of flint, metal etc.) strikes the surface of a bone... more ABSTRACT Cut-marks are produced when a knife (of flint, metal etc.) strikes the surface of a bone. Cutmarked human remains are surprisingly common in prehistoric contexts. Ascertaining the interval between an organism’s death and the production of cut-marks often remains uncertain, relying on indirect evidence. New 3-Dimensional technology (the Alicona InfiniteFocus Microscope) enables micro-morphometric characteristics of cut-marks to be quantified. This paper presents research that aims to determine whether cut-marks on a fresh corpse leave different micro-morphometric traces than those occurring after a period of decomposition. Cut-marks on human and non-human remains from four prehistoric sites have been analysed: the British Upper Palaeolithic (~14,700 cal BP) site of Gough’s Cave, interpreted as cannibalism, and the Serbian Mesolithic-Neolithic sites (~9,500–5,500 BC) of Padina, Vlasac and Lepenski Vir interpreted as funerary defleshing and disarticulation after a period of decay. Results have shown that the micro-morphology of cut-marks on human and non-human remains at Gough’s Cave are similar and relate to specific butchery tasks. The micro-metrics, however, are different, probably due to differences in body size. At the three Serbian sites, both the micromorphology and micro-metrics of cut-marks on human and non-humans remains differ, suggesting that the human remains were not butchered or fresh when cut. This pilot study suggests that micro-morphometric characteristics of cut-marks can be used to infer past funerary behaviour, and it would be valuable to increase the size of this data-set.
Post-mortem manipulations of the body were common at Mesolithic-Neolithic sites along the Danube ... more Post-mortem manipulations of the body were common at Mesolithic-Neolithic sites along the Danube River. During assessment of disarticulated human remains from Lepenski Vir, an unusual set of incisions (notches) were observed on the diaphysis of a human left radius along with a few cut-marks. Very few studies have attempted to distinguish clearly the characteristics of these modifications. All incisions were examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope and a Focus Variation Microscope that generated measurable three-dimensional digital models. Our results indicate that, on the basis of their micromorphometric features, qualitative and quantitative distinctions can be made between cutmarks and notches, a methodology which can be applied to other engraved bones. Cut-marks, accidentally produced during flesh removal, were more irregular, longer, narrower and shallower than the notches. The notches, produced by a 'nick and slice' motion (pressure was applied to the bone, then the tool was pulled in one direction), were deliberately engraved. This engraved human bone is a rare example within a Prehistoric European context, possibly a form of notation, marking or counting a series of (important) events.
Ponencia presentada en: Pathways to Ancient Britain Project Workshop QMUL: London, United Kingdom... more Ponencia presentada en: Pathways to Ancient Britain Project Workshop QMUL: London, United Kingdom, 14-15 may, 2015
Les gestes funeraires. Etat de conservation du materiel osteologique. Des particularites demograp... more Les gestes funeraires. Etat de conservation du materiel osteologique. Des particularites demographiques propres au site des Fedons. Recherches de liens de parente et donnees sur l'etat sanitaire et social.
One of the author names was misspelled in the paper. 'Lucia Burgia' should be amended to 'Lucia B... more One of the author names was misspelled in the paper. 'Lucia Burgia' should be amended to 'Lucia Burgio' and the author list should be as follows:
Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d'Anthropologie de Paris Numéro 14 (3-4) (2002) Tome 14, Fasc... more Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d'Anthropologie de Paris Numéro 14 (3-4) (2002) Tome 14, Fascicule 3-4 (2002)
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Dec 1, 2016
At the Mesolithic-Neolithic sites (9500-5500 cal BCE) of Lepenski Vir and Vlasac in the Danube Go... more At the Mesolithic-Neolithic sites (9500-5500 cal BCE) of Lepenski Vir and Vlasac in the Danube Gorges of Serbia, numerous disarticulated human remains were unearthed along with articulated skeletons. In many cases primary burial was only a temporary stage in the funerary ritual and skeletonised bodies were exhumed, manipulated, and relocated. The majority of bodies were left to decay within the ground prior to exhumation and disarticulation. In some instances, however, the presence of cut-marks indicates that human intervention occurred before completion of the natural decay process. In this paper we present frequency, distribution and micro-morphometric analyses of cut-marks on disarticulated human bones from Lepenski Vir and Vlasac. The use of a Focus Variation Microscope (the Alicona 'InfiniteFocus') has enabled 3-dimensional quantitative analyses of cut-mark characteristics. The location and infrequency of cut-marks strongly suggest that active defleshing was not a systematic part of funerary ritual at these sites, but it more likely occurred on bodies that were accidentally unearthed prior to skeletonisation. Based on the micro-morphometric analysis, discernible and measurable differences exist between different cutting practices and we now better understand the ways in which human bodies were treated. Taking into account other taphonomic observations, we suggest that cutting occurred on partially decomposed bodies.
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Aug 23, 2012
An isolated adult human ulna fragment recovered from the 'black mould' layer of Kent's Cavern by ... more An isolated adult human ulna fragment recovered from the 'black mould' layer of Kent's Cavern by William Pengelly in 1866 exhibits a series of stone-tool cut-marks. The specimen has been directly AMS 14 C-dated to 7314-7075 cal BC (OxA-20588: 8185 ± 38 BP), and may be from the same individual as a maxilla fragment dated to the same period. The cut-marks are located on the olecranon process, in a position indicative of dismemberment, while the fracture characteristics of the bone furthermore suggest peri-mortem breakage, typical of butchery for the extraction of marrow. We here present and discuss the specimen, and consider both ritual mortuary treatment and anthropophagy as possible explanations. While it is difficult to interpret a single element in isolation, the latter scenario seems to be better supported, and is not without parallel in prehistoric Europe, as indicated by a review of the available literature. Located near Torquay on the Devon coast of southwest England, Kent's Cavern (Figure 1), is best known for yielding the earliest anatomically modern human bone currently identified in
Genetic investigations of Upper Palaeolithic Europe have revealed a complex and transformative hi... more Genetic investigations of Upper Palaeolithic Europe have revealed a complex and transformative history of human population movements and ancestries, with evidence of several instances of genetic change across the European continent in the period following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Concurrent with these genetic shifts, the post-LGM period is characterized by a series of significant climatic changes, population expansions and cultural diversification. Britain lies at the extreme northwest corner of post-LGM expansion and its earliest Late Glacial human occupation remains unclear. Here we present genetic data from Palaeolithic human individuals in the United Kingdom and the oldest human DNA thus far obtained from Britain or Ireland. We determine that a Late Upper Palaeolithic individual from Gough's Cave probably traced all its ancestry to Magdalenian-associated individuals closely related to those from sites such as El Mirón Cave, Spain, and Troisième Caverne in Goyet, Belgi...
<p>(A) Drawing of the tool with sequence of post-depositional breaks indicated [<a href=... more <p>(A) Drawing of the tool with sequence of post-depositional breaks indicated [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0202021#pone.0202021.ref001" target="_blank">1</a>–<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0202021#pone.0202021.ref003" target="_blank">3</a>]; (B) Photograph of the cortical side, sharp edge, trabecular side, smooth edge, tip and base of the tool. (C) SEM images detailing (a) scrape marks and polish along the smooth edge on the cortical side of the tool and (b) deep scrape marks (re-sharpening) along the sharp edge on the cortical side; (c) flaking near the tip of the tool, and (d) detail of the flat break surface near the base of the tool; (e) wear pattern near the sharp edge on the trabecular side of the tool, and (f) deep scrape-marks near the smooth edge on the trabecular side; (g) flaking close to the tip, and (h) polishing of the smooth edge of the tool.</p
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Papers by Silvia Bello