Dating and redating Capsian skeletons 3A-4 and 3A-7, Aïn Berriche (Algeria). (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jackes, Mary; Lubell, David; Crann, Carley
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 4(2015)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Capsian -- Human skeletons -- Radiocarbon dating -- Ultrafiltration -- AMS; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2015.08.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: Aïn Berriche (also called Site 12) is a Capsian site, but Skeleton 3A-7 had been dated to thousands of years after the assumed end of the Capsian period. Questions about the date focussed on two features: 1. The skeleton appeared to have characteristics of the mortuary practices associated with the Algerian Capsian tradition; and 2. The skeleton was preserved with shellac after excavation, a possible source of contamination. Analyses were therefore undertaken to determine the extent to which the shellac penetrated the bone and to establish whether ultrafiltration of the collagen would help eliminate contaminants. In addition to re-dating 3A-7, we dated Skeleton 3A-4 which had a different mortuary treatment and was stratigraphically higher. Results are presented within the context of previous work on the Capsian. Highlights: We confirm the radiocarbon age range for typical Capsian mortuary practices. We test archaeological bone for the effects of 1930s conservation techniques. We use ultrafiltration in collagen extraction to eliminate contaminants. We provide new stable isotope data for Maghreb Holocene human and faunal remains. We provide new evidence on Maghreb prehistoric mortuary practices.