The recovery and interpretation of microvertebrate bone assemblages from archaeological contexts |
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Authors: | Peter W Stahl |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University, State University of New York, P.O. Box 6000, 13902-6000 Binghamton, New York |
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Abstract: | The analysis of microvertebrate remains recovered from buried contexts is frequently problematic for archaeologists. Diminutive size is a major obstacle to recovering, identifying, and interpreting microfaunal bone materials successfully. Their taphonomic history is often obscure, thus the significance of microvertebrate accumulations for settlement, subsistence, and ecological interpretation is difficult to evaluate. Recognizable and reliable archaeological signatures are sought for assessing the effect of taphonomic history on microvertebrate assemblages. Relevant signatures of bone damage, skeletal survivorship, taxonomic composition, and context are examined in assemblages produced and modified through accidental non-predator-related death, predator accumulation, and postmortem alteration. |
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Keywords: | zooarchaeology taphonomy archaeology paleontology microvertebrate assemblages |
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