Baculum fracture in carnivores: osteological,behavioural and cultural implications

A type of trauma, relatively rare in zooarchaeological assemblages, is discussed in this paper. Interspecific differences in morphology and behaviour influence aetiology, taphonomy and interpretation of baculum fractures in carnivores. An example of walrus is explored to illustrate general implications of these differences. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.