Studies of bone surface modifications or B-S-Ms (BSMs) such as cut marks are crucial to the understanding of human and earlier hominin subsistence behavior. Over the last several decades, however, BSM identification has remained contentious. Most investigations have relied on morphology to identify butchery marks and their patterning. Recently, 3D datasets have opened promising new avenues for investigation. However, analyses of these datasets have not yet taken advantage of the full 3D surface morphology of BSM.
In this study, the researchers demonstrate that 3D geometric morphometrics or G-M (GM), under the “Procrustes paradigm.” They coupled this with a Bayesian approach, probabilistically discriminating between marks caused by different butchery behaviors. This approach then provides a complete set of 3D morphological measurements and descriptions.
The researchers found that the new protocol resulted in satisfactory cleaned models of the original scans. However, it is important to note that subjective variation could have been introduced during the mark selection and isolation steps. If subjective error was added, it was likely introduced to all specimens in a random manner. Consequently, such errors are unlikely to have affected the differences between groups.
The new protocol and statistical methodologies presented in this study enable the nuanced examination of mark variability within the same mark class. This then explicitly links it to butcher action. This knowledge serves to connect observable variables, such as shape, to concrete physical parameters, such as the angle at which the stone tool was held. Also, it deepens the understanding of prehistoric butchery actions. It also has the potential to transform the way researchers conceptualize and classify variations in cut mark morphology. Overall, the results of such investigations have the potential to significantly alter interpretations of early hominin ecology and behavior.

Аудио журнал - Journal of Archaeological Science

Studies of bone surface modifications or B-S-Ms (BSMs) such as cut marks are crucial to the understanding of human and earlier hominin subsistence behavior. Over the l...

Differentiating between cutting actions on bone using 3D geometric morphometrics and Bayesian analyses with implications to human evolution

The transition from a foraging lifestyle to plant cultivation and animal husbandry represents a milestone in the history of humankind. However, the osteological markers most relevant to the recognition of early ungulate management and domestication remain a matter of debate. This study then reports on a novel pathological marker observed in the articular joints of medium-sized ruminants. In focus here is articular damage of the ankle bone, talus and astragalus, a skeletal element frequently found in archaeological sites worldwide.
In the frame of this study, a total of 1,721 ankle bones from archaeological and modern Ovis and Gazella were investigated. For the populations used as baselines, the living conditions, such as mobility or nutrition, as well as life data are well documented.
The results demonstrate that intra-articular bone damage is significantly more pronounced in animals living confined to enclosures. Similar non-physiologic conditions have been evidenced in juvenile and adult sheep from early Neolithic contexts. Still in the course of the early Neolithic, joint health improved significantly. This implies a better mastering of sheep management over the centuries. In conclusion, pathologic profiling yields the potential for tracing initial management of captive ruminants.
The results were able to demonstrate a causal relationship between the extent of osteopathy in a population and its living conditions. Advanced damage of the articular bone surfaces of limb joints most probably reflect restrictions in movement imposed by humans. Moreover, in the course of the early Neolithic, overall joint health improved slightly visually, although statistically significant. This illustrates that centuries of learning were needed to adjust human management to the needs of animals under their care.

The transition from a foraging lifestyle to plant cultivation and animal husbandry represents a milestone in the history of humankind. However, the osteological marker...

Joint health in free-ranging and confined small bovids - Implications for early stage caprine management

In recent years, the study of osteoporosis and bone mineral quality has received increasing interest by biological anthropologists. However, a number of challenges remain in the determination of bone loss in ancient remains. This underlines the need for a new methodology and new standards, specifically created and adapted to human skeletal remains.
The aim of the present study is to develop new quantitative reference standards for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in skeletal human remains. The researchers did this through the application of Quantitative Ultrasound analyses to phalanges of a large sample of individuals. The study included 110 subjects of known sex and age-at-death from the Frassetto collection.
After the assessment of intra- and inter-observer reliability, new ultrasonometric standards were created. The results provide a reference point for the analysis of osteoporosis and bone loss in skeletal remains. The applicability of the method was tested in a medieval sample including both males and females. The low intra- and inter-observer errors suggest that the Phalangeal Ultrasonometry is a reliable and valid technique in this case. Further, it can be applied to modern and ancient human skeletons.
A key strength of the present investigation is that all the modern skeletons examined came from an osteological collection with known age-at-death and sex. The subjects referred to the same modern period and came from the same geographic area. Future studies should address the diagnosis of osteoporosis in skeletal remains by means of Quantitative Ultrasound compared to other diagnostic techniques. With the new reference curves, this technique can also help identify the pathological status related to increased bone mineral density.

In recent years, the study of osteoporosis and bone mineral quality has received increasing interest by biological anthropologists. However, a number of challenges rem...

Quantitative ultrasonometry for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in human skeletal remains: New methods and standards

В этом подкасте, аудио журнале, размещаются аудио саммари исследований и статей опубликованных в Journal of Archaeological Science. Основная масса саммари, на английском языке и озвучены профессиональными дикторами.

Подкаст, аудио журнал, научного журнала Journal of Archaeological Science

Аудио журнал - Journal of Archaeological Science

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