A Chronology of Bone Marrow and Bone Grease Exploitation at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village

Abstract

Bone marrow and bone grease processing at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village (39DV2) has long been suspected but was only recently demonstrated scientifically. The current research details the analysis of fragmented bone assemblages from different points in the chronological sequence of the Mitchell site and establishes the presence of extensive bone marrow processing activities throughout the cultural occupation of the village. This work additionally details the development of an increasingly extensive bone grease processing industry during the middle and latter periods of human occupation at the site.