Mammal bone surface alteration during human consumption: An experimental approach. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Romero, Antonio J.; Díez, J. Carlos; Saladié, Palmira
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 8(2016)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Experimental archaeology -- Taphonomy -- Human chewing -- Tooth marks -- Mammal bones -- Cooking; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.05.061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: The study of human tooth marks on bones remains constitutes a promising line of research of high archaeological interest. Most taphonomic studies assume that tooth marks in bones are evidences of carnivore intervention. However, human beings, regardless of the use of lithic artifacts, access to animal nutrients through their masticatory system producing bite marks. In order to solve equifinality problems of the marks left during consumption, a study with volunteers has been carried out. Ten volunteers ate meat from the scapulae, radii and phalanges of Ovis aries, trying to bite the bones and extract the meat as much as possible. Each piece was consumed raw, roasted and boiled by the same people in order to differentiate marks according to bone and the type of cooking treatment. A significant number of marks were observed including types, morphologies and metric values. Differences between raw and cooked bones were also detected. These results may contribute to identify human bite marks and cooking treatment in the archaeological record. Highlights: Humans without technology generate characteristic marks on bones during consumption. These are primary marks on diaphyses and secondary marks on epiphyses and flat bones. Cooking (roasting or boiling) influenced the marks generated on bones. Controlled experiments provide information about the alterations during consumption. However, the use of volunteers can generate an inflated number and size of marks.