Examining histology to identify burned bone

Early research suggests that examination of the microscopic internal structure is a valid method for distinguishing burned from unburned bone in the archaeological record. This study compares burned and unburned modern bones with archaeological bones from Sibudu Cave ( ca. 60,000 years ago) and Cave...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of archaeological science Vol. 34; no. 11; pp. 1902 - 1913
Main Authors Hanson, Megan, Cain, Chester R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2007
Elsevier Science
Subjects
Bone histology
Bone industry
Burned bone
Cave of Hearths
Environmental studies
Fauna
Fire
Generalities
Methodology and general studies
Organisation and history of research
Prehistory and protohistory
Sibudu
Typology, technology and attribute analysis
Early
Sibudu
Burned bone
Cave of Hearths
Bone histology
Fire
Origin
Study
Histology
Method
Research
Cave
Hearth
Recording
Bone
Technique
Archives
Various
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Early research suggests that examination of the microscopic internal structure is a valid method for distinguishing burned from unburned bone in the archaeological record. This study compares burned and unburned modern bones with archaeological bones from Sibudu Cave ( ca. 60,000 years ago) and Cave of Hearths (over 200,000 years ago) to more fully describe the heat-induced histological changes to bone. We also explore the effects of diagenesis on those changes to determine if histological evidence of burning preserves through fossilisation and diagenetic processes and can be successfully used to identify ancient burning. Application of this technique can help in addressing various issues, including the origins of controlled use of fire and understanding animal butchery and disposal.
ISSN:0305-4403
1095-9238
DOI:10.1016/j.jas.2007.01.009