TESTING AN ALTERNATIVE HIGH‐THROUGHPUT TOOL FOR INVESTIGATING BONE DIAGENESIS: FTIR IN ATTENUATED TOTAL REFLECTION (ATR) MODE*

Archaeological bone undergoes alterations after burial (diagenesis) that constitute a problem for the survival of archaeological information. A common method to assess this alteration is Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). However, the commonly applied method (FTIR–KBr) is destructive and sample preparation may influence the results. This paper tests the suitability of FTIR attenuated total reflection (FTIR–ATR), a method not commonly used to investigate bone diagenesis. FTIR–ATR requires less sample preparation and can be non‐destructive, allowing analysis of bone cross‐sections. Modern and archaeological bones were analysed using both methods and different sample preparation methods were tested. The results show that FTIR–ATR has advantages for the rapid assessment of bone diagenesis.     

OXYGEN AND CARBON ISOTOPE ANALYSIS OF HUMAN DENTAL ENAMEL FROM THE CARIBBEAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR INVESTIGATING INDIVIDUAL ORIGINS

This study explores the potential of carbon and oxygen isotope data from human enamel carbonate (n = 50) to contribute to mobility studies in the Caribbean. Most oxygen and carbon isotope results display limited variation, with substantial overlap between islands. However, a few individuals from El Chorro de Maíta, Cuba possess relatively low δ¹⁸O and high δ¹³C. Two of these individuals were previously identified as possible non‐Antillean immigrants on the basis of strontium isotopes, and bioarchaeological and mortuary evidence. The carbon and oxygen isotope results provide additional evidence supporting the proposed non‐local origins of these individuals and contribute to explorations of their potential natal origins.     

Specimens of Somali Tales.

A BALLAD OF KERALA. By M. D. RAGHAVAN, B.A. Reprinted from the Indian Antiquary, vol. lxi., pp. 9–12, 72–77, 112–116, 150–154, 205–211. Reviewed by F. J. R..

MYTH AND RITUAL. Essays on the Myth and Ritual of the Hebrews in relation to the Culture Pattern of the Ancient East. Edited by S. H. HOOKE. Oxford University Press, 1933. Pp. xix + 204. Illust. 20. Price 10s. 6d. Reviewed by A. M. Hocart.

THE ELIZABETHAN FAIRIES, THE FAIRIES OF FOLKLORE AND THE FAIRIES OF SHAKESPEARE. By MINOR WHITE LATHAM, Ph.D. Columbia University Press, 1930. 8½″ x 5½″. Pp. viii + 313. 18s. 6d. Reviewed by H. C. L..

INDO-EUROPEAN FOLK-TALES AND GREEK LEGEND. By W. R. HALLIDAY. Pp. vii.+ 158. Cambridge University Press, 1933. 7s. 6d. 8″ x 5½″. Reviewed by H. J. Rose.

DRAGUTIN SUBOTI?. YUGOSLAV POPULAR BALLADS, THEIR ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT. Cambridge, University Press, 1932. Price 10s. 6d. 288 pp. 8vo. Reviewed by M. Gaster.

SACRAMENTS OF SIMPLE FOLK. By R. R. MARETT, Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1933. Pp. ii + 230. 10s.net. Reviewed by H. J. Rose.

PRIMITIVE ARTS AND CRAFTS. By R. U. SAYCE. Cambridge University Press. 1933. 7¾″ x 5½′ F - Pp. xiii + 291 Reviewed by M. M. B..

THE ALEXANDER BOOK IN ETHIOPIA : The Ethiopic versions of Pseudo-Callisthenes, the Chronicle of Al-Mâkin, the Narrative of Joseph ben Gorion, and a Christian Romance of Alexander. SIR ERNEST A. WALLIS BUDGE. London : Oxford University Press. 1933. i–xxix, and 1–277. 13 Plates. Price 7s. 6d. Size 7¾″ x 5¼″. Reviewed by M. Gaster.

QUILEUTE TEXTS. By MANUEL J. ANDRADE. Columbia University Contributions to Anthropology, Volume XII. New York: Columbia University Press ; Oxford : Humphrey Milford, 1931. 206 pp. 26s. 6d. Reviewed by Barbara Aitken.

TRIBES OF THE NIGER DELTA, THEIR RELIGIONS AND CUSTOMS. By P. AMAURY TALBOT, D.Sc. Illustrated. Map. London : The Sheldon Press. 1932. 9″ x 6″. Pp. xi + 350. 18s. Reviewed by Edwin W. Smith.

RECHERCHES SUR NOTRE ANCIENNE CHANSON POPULAIRE TRADITIONELLE. Exposé V. by PAUL COIRAULT. Libraire E. Droz, 25 Rue de Tournon, Paris. VIme. 1932. Pp. 321–685. 10″ x 6½″. Reviewed by M. M. B..