Abstract

ABSTRACT Experimental replication of decorated bone tubes was carried out to determine possible methods of defleshing and to define the nature of linear cut-marks on the bones made by different cutting implements. These studies were carried out to interpret more precisely the production techniques for incised bone tubes recovered from Early Bronze Age (EB) contexts at the site of Tell el-Hesi dating to 2800–2700 bce (EBIIIA). Previous studies had assumed that the bones were incised using metal chisels found on-site, but the new experiments demonstrate that the incised lines were most likely made using denticulated metal (copper/bronze) saws. Modern cow metapodials were defleshed and then cut and sawn with different types of tools. Impressions were made of the experimental and archaeological incised lines and the impressions were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The incised lines made using denticulated metal saws most closely match the incised lines of the ancient incised bone tubes.

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