Cremation in Southwestern North America: Aspects of Taphonomy that Affect Pathological Analysis

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science Vol. 21; no. 5; pp. 597 - 605
• Main Authors: Reinhard, Karl J., Fink, T.Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.09.1994; Elsevier Science; Academic Press
• Subjects: Anthropological methods; Cremation, Taphonomy, Palaeopathology; Human paleontology; Methodology and general studies; Prehistory and protohistory; United States of America; Cremation, Taphonomy, Palaeopathology; Burial; Pathology; Human palaeontology; Method; Bone; Burial rites; Cremation; Taphonomy
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1006/jasc.1994.1059

The taphonomy of cremation has a great impact on the variety of bioarchaeological information that can be retrieved in the analysis of cremated bone. Aspects of the incineration process such as shrinkage, warpage and fragmentation obscure pathological evidence. Poor gleaning practices and mode of interment also limit data recovery. Despite these factors, a comparative analysis of pathology exhibited in inhumations and cremation deposits shows that certain classes of pathology can be reliably recovered from cremation deposits. These include pathology related to degenerative disease and also the lesions of porotic hyperostosis. However, evidence of dental disease and lesions of cribra orbitalia are largely destroyed by the cremation process. The results of the analysis show that pathology data can be retrieved from cremations. However, a review of cremation practice in the Southwest shows that alternate forms of cremation can affect the recovery of pathological data. From this comparison, one can predict whether or not cremation practices in any given study area will limit or enhance the retrieval of pathological data.