Interpreting mortuary treatment from histological bone diagenesis: A case study from Neolithic Çatalhöyük. (22nd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goren, Haley P.; Agarwal, Sabrina C.; Beauchesne, Patrick
• Is Part Of: International journal of osteoarchaeology. Volume 31:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2020-10-22
• Subjects: Çatalhöyük -- histology -- light microscopy -- microbioerosion -- osteology -- taphonomy; Physical anthropology -- Periodicals; Human remains (Archaeology) -- Periodicals; Paleopathology -- Periodicals; Paléontologie -- Périodiques; Paléopathologie -- Périodiques; Anthropologie physique -- Périodiques; 930.10282
• DOI: 10.1002/oa.2930
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1047-482X

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the evidence for differential mortuary practices at the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, in Anatolia, Turkey, using the histological examination of bacterial microbioerosion in archaeological human bone. In order to analyse bacterial microbioerosion, thin sections were prepared from the midshaft of thoracic ribs 6–8, of n = 162 individuals (adults and juveniles) and analysed using qualitative analysis of microscopic focal destructive changes with polarized light microscopy. The extent of destructive change was assessed, and the degree of preservation was examined using the Oxford Histological Index. Individual, in situ interment was assessed using burial and skeletal data. Results show no differences in histological bacterial microbioerosion between male and female burials, but histological preservation was seen to differ between juveniles and adults, findings that are interpreted as the result of differential mortuary practices at the time of death. The challenges and potential of examining recurring taphonomic signatures in bone histology and their relationship to differential burial practices are discussed.