Taphonomic Studies Research Articles

Methodological Issues in Pollen Analysis of Pleistocene Deposits in Denisova Cave

Denisova Cave, in the northwestern Altai, is a key Paleolithic complex in North Asia. Pleistocene deposits in the cave contain lithic industries and human fossils documenting the evolution of the cultural traditions of Denisovans in the second half of the Middle and in the Upper Pleistocene. This study addresses methodological issues in paleogeographic interpretation of pollen records relating to Quaternary deposits of cave sites. We present the results of the analysis of recent and subrecent spectra of cave sediments and soil samples taken at sites of characteristic plant communities in natural zones of the Anui River valley near Denisova Cave. Findin gs from taphonomic study of pollen microremains from loose sediments in the East Chamber of the cave make it possible to obtain a correct climato-stratigraphic and climato-phytocenotic interpretation of pollen spectra from Pleistocene deposits in Denisova Cave.

Revealing microbial components in biofilm on aquatic insect cadavers: an experimental taphonomic study

The La Cantera Formation, recognized as a Konservat-Lagerstätten, preserves exceptional aquatic insect fossils from the Early Cretaceous. This study explores, using experimental taphonomy, the role of microbial biofilms in the preservational process over aquatic insects. An experimental analysis is proposed to understand the impact of microorganisms on decomposition and preservation. The investigation focuses on aquatic insects as model organisms because they are relevant in the La Cantera insect record. The experiment, conducted in controlled conditions, includes inhibitors targeting algae, bacteria, and fungi, revealing the development of biofilms and their impact on insect preservation. The differential development of microorganisms under each treatment indicates that biofilms, composed of algae and fungi, significantly impact the preservation of corpses by preventing disarticulation and facilitating preservation. This suggests that microbial mats could be crucial in forming exceptional paleontological deposits. By comparing these findings with the fossil record from La Cantera, researchers may gain insight into the potential significance of microbial mats in forming such deposits. This research highlights the importance of understanding the role of microorganisms in preserving fossils and contributes to our understanding of paleontological processes. Keywords: experimental taphonomy, Heteroptera, microbial activity, La Cantera Formation.

Actualistic taphonomy of microvertebrates ingested by the barn owl (Tyto alba) in a forested area. Implications for the fossil record

Rodents are common prey of nocturnal raptor birds, which ingest whole individuals and subsequently expel partially digested remains as regurgitated pellets. This generates accumulations of skeletal elements that may become part of the fossil record. Inferring which predator was responsible of any given fossil microvertebrate assemblage allows assessing potential biases and making paleoecological inferences. Neotaphonomic studies allow modelling the particularities characterizing different raptors under different environmental conditions. Based on them, it is possible to suggest the predator involved in fossil microvertebrate assemblages by considering the taxonomic and anatomical abundance, the degree of digestive corrosion and that of breakage of skeletal remains. Yet, no detailed neotaphonomic studies on raptors had been made so far in NW Argentina, and other studies in South America have been made mainly in open and arid environments. This has forced paleontological studies to use analogues that might not be fully relevant. Here we present an actualistic study on rodent skeletal remains (NISP = 7540) recovered from modern pellets produced by the barn owl (Tyto alba), recovered at Villa Padre Monti (Tucumán, Argentina), a Yungas forest area partially affected by the presence of crops. The aim is to characterize the taphonomic traces of T. alba under these environmental conditions. The assemblage is composed of at least five species of Cricetidae rodents and a varied representation of skeletal elements, especially of the post-cranium; it has a high relative anatomical abundance (58.7%). Skeletal breakage levels are low, especially in the mandibles and post-cranium. Digestive corrosion is predominantly absent (62.1%) to light, although some elements with high degrees of digestive corrosion were found, even in the extreme digestion category. These results generally compare well with other taphonomic studies on the barn owl, and add data to the known variability of modern accumulations by this Strigiformes. They are thus expected to have an impact on the interpretations of fossil faunas.

Revisiting macromammal exploitation in the Spanish Cantabrian region during the lower Magdalenian (ca. 20-17 ky cal BP)

Understanding the ways in which human groups use the environment for their survival is one of the main fields of study in Prehistory. Subsistence strategies, understood as the set of techniques, processes and activities through which human groups organise the tasks related to their survival, are a fundamental element for understanding the economic and sociocultural processes derived from these practices in the past. In this sense, archaeozoological and taphonomic studies are the main tool to reconstruct the ways in which our ancestors acquired, processed, consumed, and managed meat resources for their survival. In this research we examine the ways in which hunter-gatherer groups in the Spanish Cantabrian region exploited ungulates through a palaeoecological and palaeoeconomic analysis of a total of 32 archaeological levels at 19 sites dated between 20 and 17 ky cal BP. To this end, through research on faunal resources in this region, we will address the ways in which prey was acquired and transported, the age ranges, the seasonality of the captures and the nutritional energy contribution to the diet of the human groups, taking into account the cost of acquiring them, thus generating an updated view of subsistence strategies in the Cantabrian region.

Taphonomy of the middle Miocene regular echinoid spines from Cairo-Suez District, Egypt: Palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental interpretations

The palaeoecology and palaeoenvironment of a dense cluster of regular echinoid spines that occur in an oyster-rich limestone layer are interpreted based on detailed taphonomic study. The paucispecific macrobenthic assemblage associated with these echinoid spines have been studied in the middle Miocene Geniefa Formation, Gebel Gharra, Cairo-Suez District of Egypt. Both echinoid spines and macrobenthic assemblages are dominated by moderately to well-preserved, moderately packed, highly disarticulated, moderately to poorly sorted, re-oriented, and moderately to highly fragmented specimens, confirming parautochthonous nature of this assemblage. The spines are commonly encrusted and bored. At least four taxonomic groups of encrusters are identified, including juvenile oysters, sheet-like cheilostome bryozoans, serpulids, and balanoid barnacles. The diversity of bioerosional ichnotaxa is moderate and includes Gastrochaenolites, Entobia, Maeandropolydora, Trypanites, and Spirolites. Moreover, some echinoid spines display distinct biting traces of fish, representing the first recorded of fish tooth bite marks on remains of regular echinoid spines from the Miocene deposits of Egypt. The faunal composition and trophic structure of the studied faunal assemblage indicate fully oxygenated and euhaline shallow-marine environment with meso- to eutrophic productivity level. The controlling environmental parameters include substrate consistency, bathymetry, water energy, surface-water productivity, and rate of sedimentation. Furthermore, two scenarios for sclerobionts colonisation and development of fish bite marks have been proposed. In the first syn vivo scenario, predatory fish either focused on the encrusting organisms attached to the spines or attacked the echinoid as a food source, resulting in the separation of spines from their original test during the echinoid’s life. In the second post-mortem scenario, disarticulated spines serve as a hard substrate for the colonisation of sclerobionts. Once again, the spines became subject to attacks by fish that fed on the encrusters, resulting in additional bite marks.

Re-examining the earliest evidence of human presence in western Europe: New dating results from Pirro Nord (Italy)

We present the results of the first dating study of site P13 at Pirro Nord, Italy, which documents some of the earliest evidence for hominin presence in western Europe. Our multi-technique dating approach is based on a combination of palaeomagnetism, electron spin resonance (ESR), thermally-transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL) and combined U-series/ESR applied to both fossil material and host sediment. It provides ages ranging from 627 ± 59 to 1006 ± 126 ka and clustering around 0.8 Ma. One additional fossil tooth collected from the nearby P10 site also returns an age within this range. Ordinarily, this outcome would naturally lend itself to the straightforward conclusion that Pirro Nord has a late Early Pleistocene age of ∼0.8 Ma. However, this interpretation is complicated by the fact that these numerical dating results are in contradiction with the biochronological evidence, which suggests a much older age on the order of 1.3–1.7 Ma. Consequently, we explore the various potential sources of bias that could have influenced the numerical dating methods and the biochronological inferences. In particular, the critical evaluation of the palaeomagnetic data available for various sites belonging to the younger Colle Curti Faunal Unit (FU) indicates that there is non-negligible age uncertainty on the allegedly minimum age of ∼1.1 Ma traditionally assigned to the Pirro FU. Moreover, while the combined U-series/ESR dataset could accommodate an older age for the fossil remains if uranium uptake in the dental tissues occurred relatively rapidly before the closure of the system (CSUS model), the ages obtained from the two semi-independent quartz dating methods (ESR and TT-OSL) both appear to indicate that the sediment was last exposed to sunlight about 0.8 Ma. This disparity opens up the possibility that the sediment and fossil assemblage may not be coeval. In other words, it is possible that the fossil remains may have been reworked into younger deposits that entered the karst about 0.8 Ma. Though feasible from a karst sedimentary dynamics perspective, this hypothesis is not consistent with previous taphonomic studies that indicate an absence of evidence for fossil reworking after entering the karst. At the very least, our dating results indicate that site formation processes at Pirro Nord site P13 are more complex than previously considered.

OF HIS BONES ARE CRINOID MADE: TAPHONOMY AND DEADFALL ECOLOGY OF MARINE REPTILES FROM A PELAGIC SETTING (MIDDLE-UPPER JURASSIC OF NORTHEASTERN ITALY)

Modern cetaceans are considered the best anatomical and ecological analogue for many Mesozoic secondary aquatic reptiles. Such similarities extend also after the death of these phylogenetically distant amniotes, when the sinking and decomposition of large carcasses in marine environments (deadfalls) follow common biostratinomic processes. Most taphonomic studies on Mesozoic deadfalls have been limited to shallow-water settings, often neglecting deeper waters. Here we provide a detailed taphonomic survey of ichthyosaurs, pliosaurs and metriorhynchoids from the pelagic Middle-Upper Jurassic Rosso Ammonitico Veronese (RAV) of northeastern Italy. Our taphonomic revision of the RAV tetrapod record highlights a common poor state of preservation of the bones, often associated with abundant macrofossils, consistent with a prolonged exposure of carcasses on a well-oxygenated seafloor. For the first time we confirm the role of nautiloids as active mobile scavengers by means of tens of beak elements found closely associated with, or even piercing, the bones. Hexanchiform shark teeth are also found associated with the carcasses, supporting a distinctive deep-water mobile scavenging community. Echinoids, sponges and other bioeroders are identified as representative of the enrichment-opportunist stage, and a high concentration of belemnites is believed to be indicative of mass-spawning deaths in the surroundings of the carcasses. Abundant crinoids are recognized as part of the reef stage by colonization of the eroded bones. While some of our data deviate from previous Mesozoic reptile-falls from shallow-waters, they are consistent with findings at Recent whale-falls in bathyal zones, and overall represent a precious window into the complex ecology of Jurassic open seas.

Taphonomy of the fauna and chert assemblages from the Middle Palaeolithic site of Vajo Salsone, Eastern Italian Alps

The Vajo Salsone site is located at an altitude of 376m a.s.l. on the right slope of the Valpantena valley, in the Veneto Pre-Alps, north of the town of Verona. The site was discovered in 2017 during the construction of a truckable road. It is a small and narrow karst cavity filled with Pleistocene sediments that yield abundant Middle Palaeolithic artefacts and faunal remains, often coated by carbonate encrustations. The lithic assemblage shows the predominance of the Levallois method and is characterised by a large number of retouched elements, including foliated points. These artefacts, typical of the Late Middle Palaeolithic period in central and south-eastern Europe, make Vajo Salsone an exceptional case, as their recovery is rather sporadic west of the Balkan Peninsula and south of the Alps. The fauna is dominated by ungulates, the most abundant being the red deer followed by roe deer, chamois and elk. Among the carnivores, wolf is common, while fox and bear are rare. This fauna suggests an environment characterised by open glades and closed forests, with a discontinuous presence of alpine grasslands and wetlands. Taphonomic analysis of the bone surfaces is complicated by the presence of concretions on most of the remains, which also show a high degree of fragmentation. Post-depositional fractures are common, and weathering is light. Only cervid bones show anthropogenic modifications related to hunting and hominin exploitation such as cut marks, scraping, impacts and burnt modifications. Some long bone diaphysis bear marks testifying to the use of these fragments as retouchers for flint artefacts. Such use has been evidenced at other Middle Palaeolithic sites in the area. Furthermore, the good state of preservation of the occlusal surface enamel of the cervid teeth allowed us to carry out meso and microwear analyses which provided data on seasonality and site occupation. With regard to dental wear analysis, the red deer from Vajo Salsone had mesowear suggesting a mixed feeding and grazing diets, whereas microwear analysis showed that the individuals had a diet between mixed feeding and browsing. The taphonomic study of the site has been integrated by X–RFS analysis of the alterations occurred to the lithic artefacts, which include deep patination and the formation of calcareous crusts. All the data presented here are consistent with the hypothesis of a short-distance displacement of the material from a single archaeological deposit possibly related to human occupation during the warm season.

The barn owl as an accumulator of bone remains in central western Argentina: multi-taxa neo-taphonomic approach and implications for Holocene contexts

Barn owls are the most widely distributed group of owls in the world and are among the most common accumulators of small vertebrate remains at archeological and paleontological sites. Despite its importance as a bone remains accumulator and predictor of paleoenvironmental conditions due to its generalist habits, the vertebrate prey of this raptor has been scarcely studied from an ecological community perspective, especially considering the diverse range of prey it captures. Archeological, paleontological, and taphonomic studies typically reveal taxon-specific patterns, focusing primarily on small rodents. In order to overcome this problem, we studied an assemblage of vertebrate bones from barn owl pellets in the central Monte Desert of Argentina. Our analysis included the full range of prey taxa, including rodents, marsupials, birds, and reptiles, addressed from both an ecological and neo-taphonomic perspective. We compare the taxonomic and taphonomic findings with those from regional small vertebrate records obtained from various sampling types over the past 50 years to explore recent environmental changes within the Anthropocene. The assemblage of small vertebrate prey presented here comprises five species of cricetids, one species from the Caviidae family, and at least one ctenomyid rodent species. Additionally, the assemblage includes one species of didelphid marsupial, one reptile species, and at least six passeriform bird species that belong to separate families. The overall taphonomic trends are consistent with the typical barn owl pattern. However, our analysis identified a larger percentage of postcranial elements exhibiting signs of digestion compared to pellet-derived vertebrate bone assemblages previously documented. Furthermore, it is important to note that a significant proportion of avian bone fragments exhibit distinct signs of digestion.

Taphonomic study of the cave bears (Ursus cf. deningeri and U. spelaeus) from the Sima I of the El Polvorín cave (Northern Iberian Peninsula)

Cave bears used caves for hibernation and giving birth. Caves maintain stable conditions of temperature and humidity, which facilitates the preservation of fossil accumulations. Causes of mortality in caves are related to starvation during hibernation, which affects mainly juveniles and old adults, predation and accidents, affecting bears of all ages. The Iberian Peninsula is located in one of the extremes of the geographical range of this species and has yielded an abundant cave bear fossil record, particularly in karstic systems in the northern fringe. The origin of the accumulation of bear fossil sites in Iberia has been investigated mostly based on selected paleobiological variables (sex-ratio and age-at-death profiles) and qualitative taphonomic assessment. The objective of this paper is to delve into the origin of a bear accumulation with a large proportion of hyaena remains, the Sima I of El Polvorín cave (Biscay, Northern Iberian fringe, Spain). For that end a combination of quantitative paleobiological (age-at-death and sex) and taphonomic (bone fracture patterns and surface modifications) data is used. This analysis has ruled out humans and hyenas as the origin of the accumulation but, due to the limited number of fossil remains available it is not possible to ascertain whether the bear accumulation was the result of a natural trap within the cave, natural mortality during hibernation, or a combination of both causes. This study underscores the necessity of integrated methodological approaches and the potential of old paleontological collections to provide new important paleobiological and taphonomic information under these approaches.

Remains of fill and floor? contextual taphonomy in a semi-subterranean structure in the hyperarid coast of the Atacama Desert, Chile

Architectural features and shell-matrix sites are one of the most challenging records for archaeological interpretation, due to their intricate stratification and complex depositional paths. In the hyperarid coast of the Atacama Desert, hunter-gatherer-fisher developed standardized stone-built architectural features mostly built on or directly related to shell-matrix deposits during the Late Archaic period (5700 – 4000 cal. years B.P.). These structures have been usually interpreted as sedentary villages or long-term campsites. These functional interpretations are based primarily upon intrasite variability, lacking systematic site formation analysis and chronostratigraphy. As a response to concerns arising from limited interpretive approaches, we propose a detailed taphonomic study of bone assemblages from a stone-built funerary structure of the Zapatero site (∼25°S, Taltal, Chile). We recorded macroscopic taphonomic modification features on mammal and avian bone remains (n = 1776) from five stratigraphic units within the structure. Our results attest that despite some similarities between strata, key differences in overall proportions suggest different taphonomic pathways. This variability within the sample is interpreted as a re-deposition of bone refuse from previous occupations as structural filling, intentionally deposited previous to the abandonment of the structure, therefore not directly related to the occupation of the architectonic feature. Finally, we highlight the role that relatively simple zooarchaeological and taphonomical comparisons intra-site, might shed light on exceptional site formation processes on short timescales, emphasizing why we must consider this sort of data even in low relative abundances in order to interpret taphonomic history pathways and depositional practices.

Taphonomic data from the transitional Aurignacian of El Castillo cave (Spain) reveals the role of carnivores at the Aurignacian Delta level

Palaeolithic sites are complex palimpsests due to the recurrent presence of human groups and carnivores through time, as documented in several European caves and rock shelters. Within these contexts, it can be challenging to identify the main contributors to bone accumulations and interpret human subsistence strategies and the role of carnivores. Consequently, taphonomic analyses are crucial for distinguishing the origins of these occupation episodes. One example of alternating occupations is found at El Castillo cave (Cantabria, Spain), specifically in the so-called Transitional Aurignacian level (∼46-42 ka uncal BP). According to a recent study conducted at this level (Luret et al., 2020), the human groups had a hunting specialisation focused on red deer, while carnivores had little influence on the assemblage. However, these interpretations were based only on the faunal assemblage from the recent excavations (1980–2011). A previous excavation phase was conducted on this site from 1910 to 1914, and after that, the faunal remains recovered were separated across several institutions, lacking a complete archaeozoological and taphonomic analysis of the whole level. In this work, a new taxonomic assessment and, for the first time, a taphonomic study of the macrofauna recovered in the Aurignacian Delta level during the initial excavations, stored at Museo Nacional y Centro de Investigación de Altamira (Cantabria, Spain), is carried out. This work provides new information about the human and carnivore groups that occupied El Castillo, constructing new hypotheses to interpret this relevant archaeological level.

Between grooves and pits: Trephic modifications resulting from air-scribe cleaning of archaeological bone

The taphonomic analysis of surface modifications on bones is crucial for reconstructing the past, but it can be influenced by various trephic processes, including cleaning interventions. Mechanical cleaning is one of the most common types, and automatic tools are often used for highly concreted materials. In this study, the modifications resulting from the cleaning of concreted archaeological bone material using an air scribe were characterized. First, an experiment was conducted in which the air scribe was applied directly to the bone surface at different angles, and the modifications were documented. As a result, three categories of modifications were identified: pits, fine grooves, and wide grooves. Subsequently, two sets of archaeological samples with concretions of different characteristics were cleaned, and the observed modifications were related to those obtained in the experimental phase. Variables influencing the appearance of these modifications were also analysed based on the site's characteristics and the concretion surrounding the bone. Once the modifications resulting from cleaning were characterized, they were compared to taphonomic surface modifications on the bone to determine if they could influence taphonomic studies, thereby avoiding potential confusion between them. This work allowed for the identification of the specific effects of this type of mechanical cleaning tool and the prevention of issues of equifinality in subsequent taphonomic studies.

Portion size matters: Carrion ecology lessons for medicolegal death investigations-A study in Cape Town, South Africa.

Forensic taphonomic studies are regionally specific and improve time since death estimates for medico-legal casework. Within forensic taphonomy and carrion ecology, vertebrate scavengers are under-researched with many studies conducted using multiple, unclothed carcasses. This is a forensically unrealistic experimental design choice with unknown impact. The effect of variation in carrion biomass on the decomposition ecosystem, particularly where vertebrate scavengers are concerned, requires clarification. To assess the effect of carrion biomass load on vertebrate scavenging and decomposition rate, seasonal baseline data for single, clothed ~60 kg porcine carcasses were compared to clothed multiple-carcass deployments, in a forensically relevant habitat of Cape Town, South Africa. Decomposition was tracked via weight loss and bloat progression and scavenging activity via motion-activated cameras. The single carcasses decayed more quickly, particularly during the cooler, wetter winter, strongly correlated with concentrated Cape gray mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta) scavenging activity. On average and across seasons, the single carcasses lost 68% of their mass by day 32 (567 accumulated degree days [ADD]), compared to 80 days (1477 ADD) for multi-carcass deployments. The single carcasses experienced substantially more scavenging activity, with longer visits by single and multiple mongooses, totaling 53 h on average compared to 20 h for the multi-carcass deployments. These differences in scavenging activity and decay rate demonstrate the impact of carrion biomass load on decomposition for forensic taphonomy research. These findings need corroboration. However, forensic realism requires consideration in taphonomic study design. Longitudinally examining many single carcasses may produce more forensically accurate, locally appropriate, and usable results.

Taphonomic analysis of Spinicaudata from two Triassic lacustrine systems affected by different volcanic processes

Spinicaudata are freshwater branchiopods. The growth and development of spinicaudata populations in freshwater environments depend on various physical, chemical, and biological factors. The action of volcanism modifies the limnological parameters in the process of fossilization of lacustrine deposits. This study identifies spinicaudatan assemblages in two Triassic lake systems in Argentina, and analyzes the dynamics of shell preservation according to the volcanic activity involved. Two taphonomic grades divided into three different second taphonomic grades were defined. The focus on taphonomic and chemistry studies addresses changes in spinicaudata abundance and richness through time, in different paleoenvironmental conditions, and shell preservation and chemical composition. The discussion highlights the importance of lava flow inflow and volcanic ash fall in the different lake systems. We emphasize the importance of taphonomic studies on the spinicaudata groups to understand their autochthonous and allochthonous populations in Triassic lake systems. In turn, we conclude that the post mortem processes experienced by the shells, the exposure time at the water-sediment interface, and the chemical alteration of the water into the paleolakes produced by the surrounding volcanic activity can explain the development and preservation of spinicaudata in these two Triassic lacustrine systems.

Tracking Early Hominin Foraging Behavior at DS Site (Bed I, Olduvai Gorge)

Academic discussions about African Early Stone Age site formation, animal carcass acquisition by hominins, the regularity of meat consumption or the use of central places have mainly relied on taphonomic studies of a few archaeofaunal assemblages, such as FLK Zinj (1.84 Ma [million years] ago, Olduvai Gorge Bed I, Tanzania). The DS site lies on the same paleosurface as FLK Zinj and constitutes an equally well-preserved, vertically-discrete deposit. The site has been extensively excavated in recent years (554 m²) and represents an invaluable opportunity to address key and long debated issues regarding early hominin lifeways with new approaches based on using robust and reliable statistical methods, including machine learning. Taphonomic studies can also greatly benefit from including the spatial component in the interpretations of a site’s formation and functionality. The results of the taphonomic and spatial study of DS point to the following behavioral components of hominin lifeways with regard to their foraging strategies: 1) regular primary access to animal carcasses; 2) selective animal carcass acquisition; and 3) collective animal carcass consumption in central-provisioning places. These features also point to cooperation and food sharing. The evidence from DS indicates that early Homo showed significant behavioral complexity relative to extant primates and a cohesive social structure. Two more newly discovered anthropogenically supported sites from the same period (PTK and AGS, Bed I Olduvai Gorge) that are currently being analyzed will soon shed further light on these adaptations.

Primeras tendencias del registro de raspadores líticos en el curso medio del arroyo Salado, provincia de Río Negro (Argentina)

This paper presents research on a sample of scrapers recovered from the Paredón de los Grabados archaeological area in the Río Negro province (Argentina). The site, a wall with petroglyphs, is located near the Somuncurá plateau, 40 km from the Atlantic coast, where there are small, seasonal tributaries of the Salado stream. Distributional studies show a high-density concentration of the archaeological record in areas circumscribed by canyons and gullies formed by river erosion. The spatial distribution of the archaeological material suggests accumulation through fluvial action (traction or washing), with high visibility in open spaces among the vegetation. The recovered scrapers were noteworthy in quantity and variability. Preliminary analyses indicate they were manufactured from various raw materials, primarily siliceous rock and obsidian. The great difference in size could indicate they are from different moments in the area’s occupation. The artifacts also show different degrees of wear and even reactivation. Taphonomic studies have identified middle stages of abrasion with slightly rounded edges.

Early Bronze Age violence in Ojo Guareña (Merindad de Sotoscueva, Burgos, Spain). Perimortem modifications in two male individuals

This paper analyses the taphonomic modifications of the human remains identified within Cueva Palomera, the main entrance to Ojo Guareña karstic system (Merindad de Sotoscueva, Burgos, Spain). The human skeletons were found deposited over the cave floor of two high, narrow and hard-to-reach sectors called Terraza del Enterramiento de la Galería Principal and Galería Sepulcral de la Sima Dolencias. Both sites represent primary depositions, in anatomical association and preserved partial joints but without grave goods. These humans are directly dated between 2000–1750 cal BC, suggesting that both events took place within a short time frame during the Early Bronze Age. The anthropological and taphonomic studies show that two adult male individuals suffered different types of lesions in their cranium, clavicle, and ribs, including traumatisms and cut marks. Taphonomic techniques have identified diagenetic and biostratinomic modifications, helping the assessment of their postmortem and perimortem interval. The morphological features of these modifications confirm that both individuals suffered lesions performed during the perimortem interval, suggesting their likely cause of death. The concentration of the injuries and the contemporaneity of both individuals are coherent with intentional anthropic action, indicating that they could result from a violent conflict.

Subaerial Decomposition of Small-Sized Remains in The Netherlands: Important Findings Regarding the PMI of a Four-Year Taphonomic Study.

Studying post-mortem changes based on signs of decomposition (e.g., using scoring models) is one of the methods used in scientific studies to relate observable changes to the post-mortem interval (PMI). The majority of the studies on cadaver decomposition are based on large cadavers. There is limited literature on the decomposition pattern and rate of small cadavers, even though it is at least as important to be able to estimate the PMI for infants and subadults. Therefore, it is crucial to acquire knowledge of the decomposition process of child-sized remains. To fill this knowledge gap, a season-based subaerial outdoor decomposition study was conducted with small pig cadavers at the Forensic Anthropological Outdoor Research Facility located in Den Ham, The Netherlands, over a period of 4 years. Den Ham is located in the eastern part of the Netherlands, close to the German border, and has a temperate maritime climate, with a Cfb classification according to the Köppen-Geiger system. Salient findings were acquired during the decomposition study, specifically regarding a deviating decomposition rate during winter and the subsequent spring, reproducibility, the effect of body weight, post-mortem movement, the effect of heavy rainfall on insect activity, delayed bloating, the interaction of different insect species, and invertebrate activity. This article includes a systemic review of the results obtained during this four-year decomposition study and discusses the impact of the findings on the estimation of the PMI.

The first archaeological and taphonomic evidence for rabbit Fur production in medieval Barcelona (Spain)

In the Middle Ages, Barcelona was an important centre for leather and fur production. A large number of tanneries involved in the transformation of animal hides and skins located on the outskirts of the city have been documented. Despite this, the importance of these activities has hardly been considered from the perspective of the archaeofaunal remains. This scarcity of data is even greater when it comes to the preparation of the fur of small animals such as rabbits. In this paper we present the zooarchaeological and taphonomic study of a sample of rabbit remains recovered from El Born archaeological site. Specifically, the sample comes from a 13th-century context excavated in an area called the Casa Riera. In the period under study, this area was just outside the limit of the urbanised zone, and it was connected with important watercourses. The context studied was very rich in faunal remains, mostly rabbits and caprines. The analysis of the rabbit bones indicates that these animals were clearly used for fur production. Our results have enabled us to characterise this type of assemblage taphonomically. Besides, on the basis of the results, some of the steps in animal carcass processing and of tanning practices can be illustrated. Finally, our data are contrasted with the background provided by documentary evidence.