Intrasite Spatial Analysis of Bone: Subtracting the Effect of Secondary Carnivore Consumers

1994 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 748-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Curtis W. Marean ◽  
Leanne Bertino
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Original Position ◽  
Limb Bone ◽  
Limb Bones ◽  
Animal Bones ◽  
Spotted Hyenas ◽  
Bone Fragments

Animal bones discarded by people are commonly subject to disturbance by carnivores. These carnivores are present throughout the world and include wolves, coyotes, hyenas, and many others. This disturbance not only modifies and destroys bone, but also moves many of the bone fragments away from their original position of discard. Intrasite spatial analyses of bone that seek patterns meaningful to human behavior thus need to subtract the effect of carnivore disturbance. Experimental studies with spotted hyenas show that the position of a bone fragment on a limb bone, combined with bone surface modification, can be used to identify a class of bone fragments that are minimally affected by carnivores and are thus the best indicators of spatial patterning resulting from human behavior. Limb-bone ends are moved significant distances, as are shaft fragments as a general class. However, middle-shaft portions of limb bones that preserve percussion marks from hammerstone breakage retain nearly the precise spatial position as originally discarded by hominids. Thus, any spatial analysis of bone, when carnivores are implicated as contributors or consumers at an archaeological site, should focus on middle-shaft portions of limb bones with percussion marks.

Ultrafiltration Pretreatment for 14C Dating of Fossil Bones from Archaeological Sites in Japan

Radiocarbon ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 481-490
Author(s):  
M Minami ◽  
K Sakata ◽  
M Takigami ◽  
T Nagaoka ◽  
T Nakamura
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
High Molecular Weight ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
14C Dating ◽  
Animal Bones ◽  
Fossil Bones ◽  
Bone Fragments ◽  
Organic Fractions

To study the effect of ultrafiltration on the radiocarbon ages of relatively poorly preserved bones in Japan, we analyzed the 14C dates of high-molecular-weight (HMW) gelatin samples and compared them with those of other extracted organic fractions, unfiltered gelatin samples extracted from NaOH-treated or NaOH-untreated collagen, and XAD-purified hydrolysates of animal fossil bones (∼4600 BP; gelatin yield of 2–4%) from the Awazu underwater archaeological site, Shiga, Japan. NaOH-treated, unfiltered gelatins and XAD-purified hydrolysates showed statistically similar 14C ages to those of HMW gelatins. The 14C ages of the HMW gelatins were the oldest and similar to those of wood collected from the same layer as the bones, and the NaOH-treated, unfiltered gelatins gave 14C ages within the acceptable margins of error; therefore, ultrafiltration was effective for accurate 14C dating, while NaOH-treated gelatin without ultrafiltration was also sufficient to obtain accurate 14C dates on the animal bones. The 14C ages of human skeletons (∼750 BP; gelatin yield of 2–11%) from 5 individuals excavated from an archaeological site in Yuigahama, Kamakura, Japan, showed statistically the same 14C ages as NaOH-treated, unfiltered gelatins and HMW gelatins within the margins of error, although HMW gelatins were likely to give slightly older ages than unfiltered gelatin with a yield of less than ∼3%. These results indicate that unfiltered gelatins extracted from fossil bones of gelatin yield more than ∼3% can produce accurate 14C ages without the need for ultrafiltration. Ten bone fragments from 3 humans showed the same 14C ages for each individual, suggesting that any bone part from an individual can be used to obtain a representative age. The 14C ages of tooth enamels of 2 individuals were 35 and 70 yr older than their bone ages. Death dates obtained from these age gaps agreed with those determined by morphology.

On a Distinctive Featureof the Andronovo (Fedorovka) Funerary Rites in the Baraba Forest-Steppe

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
V. I. Molodin ◽  
M. S. Nesterova ◽  
L. S. Kobeleva
Keyword(s):  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Faunal Remains ◽  
Native Population ◽  
Limb Bones ◽  
Animal Bones ◽  
Ash Layer ◽  
Burial Practice ◽  
Ritual Activity ◽  
Funerary Rites ◽  
Burial Rite

This article summarizes the findings relating to a spatially localized group of graves at the Andronovo (Fedorovka) cemetery Tartas-1 in the Baraba forest-steppe. Several rows of graves combine with ash pits suggestive of ritual activity. In the infill of graves, there were ash lenses with mammal and fish bones, and potsherds with traces showing the signs of applied heat. Ash had been taken from nearby ash pits with similar infill and artifacts. Faunal remains from graves and ash pits (limb bones of cattle, sheep/goat, and horse) indicate sacrificial offerings. In the ash layer of grave No. 282, there was an incomplete human burial, also believed to be a sacrifice. Features such as the orientation of the graves, their alignment, the position of human remains, and the grave goods in that area are similar to the Andronovo (Fedorovka) burial practice and do not differ from those in other parts of the cemetery. No complete parallels to this rite have been revealed. Some similarities, such as the use of ash, and the presence of animal bones, sacrificial pits, etc. at other sites are listed. A reconstruction of the funerary sequence and possible interpretations are considered. It is concluded that those graves were left by a group of Andronovo migrants who maintained close ties with the native population. Unusual features of the burial rite, therefore, can reflect an attempt to consolidate the immigrant groups on the basis of traditional ritual practices, where the major role was played by fire and its symbols.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF SECURITY WORKS AT MGK-2/6-3 SITE IN 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 283-287
Author(s):  
SAIBERT V. ◽  
◽  
Grushin S. ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ages ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Early Middle Ages ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Altai Region ◽  
Animal Bones

The article is devoted to the results of studies of the Maly Gonbinsky Cordon-2/6 complex, located in the Talmenskiy district of the Altai Region in 2019. At the previously recorded destroyed area of the archaeological site, rescue operations were carried out and an excavation was laid at the 48 sq. m. Excavations have investigated two objects - a dwelling and the end of the ditch with a structure above it. The dwelling discovered during the excavations most likely represented a structure deepened into the ground, the structure above the ditch had a sub-square shape in the center of which a trapezoidal ditch was fixed in section. In the course of the work, a ceramic complex was obtained, represented by round-bottomed vessels with a rim bent outward, and also several fragments of indeterminate animal bones and horse teeth were recorded. Based on the material found, the site can be preliminarily attributed to the 2nd half of the 5th - 6th centuries AD. Culturally, the ceramic complex belongs to the Odintsovo culture. Keywords: ancient settlements, emergency excavations, preservation of sites, early Middle Ages

scholarly journals Functional Morphology and Morphological Diversification of Hind Limb Cross-Sectional Traits in Mustelid Mammals

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Parsi-Pour ◽  
B M Kilbourne
Keyword(s):  
Hind Limb ◽  
Structural Strength ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Sectional Area ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Phylogenetic Relatedness ◽  
Limb Bone ◽  
Limb Bones ◽  
Section Modulus ◽  
Second Moments

Synopsis Locomotor habits in mammals are strongly tied to limb bones’ lengths, diameters, and proportions. By comparison, fewer studies have examined how limb bone cross-sectional traits relate to locomotor habit. Here, we tested whether climbing, digging, and swimming locomotor habits reflect biomechanically meaningful differences in three cross-sectional traits rendered dimensionless— cross-sectional area (CSA), second moments of area (SMA), and section modulus (MOD)—using femora, tibiae, and fibulae of 28 species of mustelid. CSA and SMA represent resistance to axial compression and bending, respectively, whereas MOD represents structural strength. Given the need to counteract buoyancy in aquatic environments and soil’s high density, we predicted that natatorial and fossorial mustelids have higher values of cross-sectional traits. For all three traits, we found that natatorial mustelids have the highest values, followed by fossorial mustelids, with both of these groups significantly differing from scansorial mustelids. However, phylogenetic relatedness strongly influences diversity in cross-sectional morphology, as locomotor habit strongly correlates with phylogeny. Testing whether hind limb bone cross-sectional traits have evolved adaptively, we fit Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) and Brownian motion (BM) models of trait diversification to cross-sectional traits. The cross-sectional traits of the femur, tibia, and fibula appear to have, respectively, diversified under a multi-rate BM model, a single rate BM model, and a multi-optima OU model. In light of recent studies on mustelid body size and elongation, our findings suggest that the mustelid body plan—and perhaps that of other mammals—is likely the sum of a suite of traits evolving under different models of trait diversification.

Appendix 4. The Hoxne mammalian remains

1956 ◽  
Vol 239 (665) ◽  
pp. 354-356 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Pollen Analysis ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Equus Caballus ◽  
Bone Surface ◽  
Limb Bone ◽  
Limb Bones

The mammalian remains from Hoxne are few in number and variety. Of the fossils which have been collected only a part have been preserved. Most of these are in the collections at Ipswich Museum and are from Moir’s (1926, 1935) excavations, and these are listed below. The stratigraphical horizon is given where known. Trogontherium sp. Femur and eight molars from stratum E. Provisionally determined by Dr T. M. Stout as T. lydekkeri Schlosser. Cervus elaphus L. Limb bones, antler fragments and a vertebra. These remains represent at least six animals. A radius and a metacarpal were found together in stratum F lying on the Lowestoft Till; these were the only finds during the recent investigations. Their position in the stratigraphy was verified by pollen analysis (no. 10, table 5) of sediment from the bone surface. Bos or Bison sp. Tooth and a limb bone. Equus caballus L. Teeth and limb bones. These belong to at least eight beasts. Several of the teeth are known to have come from stratum A 2. Elephas sp. Ilium.

Archeological Methods for Reconstructing Human Predation on Terrestrial Vertebrates

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 51-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Haynes
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Meat Eating ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Animal Bones ◽  
Behavior Based ◽  
Human Predation ◽  
The Way

Archeological interest in predation ranges from studies of the earliest evidence for human meat-eating, to attempts to understand the fossil record's ambiguity about the meaning of associated animal bones and human artifacts. A number of quantitative measures are used to find the meaningful patterns in archeological assemblages, and taphonomic research has also provided analogs and comparative standards for interpreting human behavior based on the evidence for predation. The most important methods, approaches, and interests are discussed here, using case studies to illustrate the way archeologists have thought about the record of humans as predators.

Animal bones and human behavior

1978 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Yesner
Keyword(s):  
Human Behavior ◽  
Animal Bones

scholarly journals Virtual Acropolis. Digital recreation of a Sicilian Archaic sanctuary

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 126 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Stanco ◽  
D. Tanasi
Keyword(s):  
Research Program ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Original Position ◽  
Archaeological Heritage ◽  
Interactive Model ◽  
Literary Sources ◽  
Virtual Reconstruction ◽  
3D Environments

<p>This paper deals with a project of virtual reconstruction of an entire archaeological site, the Sicilian Archaic sanctuary on the acropolis of Polizzello Mountain. This research program, called ’Virtual Acropolis’ has been developed in order to allow the experience of visiting an interactive and immersive 3D environments reconstructed in all and set in a realistic landscape. A visit that in the reality is currently impossible due to the still ongoing restoration works. For improving the archaeologist’s hypotheses about rituals and performances that were carried out in the sanctuary, all votive objects and offerings were digitally recreated and located in their original position and an avatar of a worshipper was implemented within the interactive model in order to directly experience, thanks to the archaeological and literary sources collected, how was one ordinary day in an Archaic sanctuary. Furthermore, the application of this technique represents the more recent frontier in the policies aimed to promotion of cultural and archaeological heritage.</p>

scholarly journals VECTOR-SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF GIS APPLICATION LAYERS FOR PLACING STRATEGIC POINTS IN DAM DESIGN

2021 ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
S. Rodríguez Vázquez ◽  
N. V. Makrova
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Dam Construction ◽  
Distribution Models ◽  
Experimental Planning ◽  
Spatial Features ◽  
Thematic Information ◽  
Point Line

The use of geographic information systems (GIS) is widespread in water resources management. One of the development stages in this area was the use of GIS information not only for matching and executing queries, but also for analyzing trends and making decisions using applications that provide spatial analysis. GIS provides the ability to process spatial information and represent it using a similar reality model that represents spatial features from a point, line, and polygon, and thematic information. Spatial analysis in GIS includes a set of procedures used to study the structure and territorial relations based on knowledge of the position and characteristics of geographical features of the corresponding variables. Subject: delineation of areas for potential location of dams with the use of geospatial algorithms for distance. The research is based on the hypothesis that from geospatial analysis of the distances between peaks extracted from the .shp layers of rivers and areas of great importance for protection, it is possible to delineate potential areas for dam construction. Materials and methods: literature sources and results of preliminary experimental studies are analyzed, experimental planning is carried out. Results: This study examines the use of algorithms for processing distances between points used in the field of service geography, in connection with the use of localization and distribution models. To do this, algorithms are compared using criteria such as processing time, the ability to create new layers, and creating tables of distances between objects belonging to different layers. Conclusions: This evaluation is performed in order to select the most appropriate algorithm for selecting suitable points that can be evaluated in future analysis of localization and dam construction.

Pneumatic Muscle: Geometry of the Cylindrical Membrane and The Power Characteristic Prognostic

2018 ◽  
pp. 20-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. D. Efremova ◽  
V. N. Pilgunov
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Shell ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Original Position ◽  
Internal Cavity ◽  
Internal Diameter ◽  
Numerical Representation ◽  
Pneumatic Muscle ◽  
Pneumatic Muscles ◽  
Shaped Cell ◽  
Force Characteristics

The pneumatic muscle is a pneumatic motor of the single-acting reciprocating motion. It is designed to create apullingforce. Return of the pneumatic muscle to its original position is provided by elastic deformation of its shell. A cylindrical membrane with the hard bottom and the lid provides the basis of the pneumatic muscle.The membrane cord is formed in the process of helically shaped CU-braid of the threads made from the super-hard synthetic fibres (for example, Kevlar). After the cord is filled with an elastomer, a strong, deformable and elastic shell is formed. An excessive pressure applied to the internal cavity of the membrane arises an extension of the tangent diagonal and a simultaneous shortening of the axial diagonal in the diamond-shaped cell, which is formed as a result of braid of cord threads. This results in pneumatic muscle’s retraction up to 25% of its original length, while creating a sufficiently large contraction force, which depends significantly on the contraction value.Using the cord structure of the MAS series pneumatic muscles of the company “FESTO” as an example, we have investigated a diamond-shaped cell deformation of the membrane and have defined a numerical dependence of its internal diameter and the volume of the internal cavity of the pneumatic muscle on the contraction value. This allowed us to develop a mathematical model of an idealized cylindrical membrane whose dynamics does not take into account a deformation force of the elastomer, filling a diamond-shaped cell.The experimental studies of industrial samples of the MAS 10 family of pneumatic muscles, carried out using a specially designed unit, allowed us to obtain their force characteristics. In the numerical representation, these characteristics turned out to be 2.5 ... 3 times less than the force characteristics of the pneumatic muscle with an idealized membrane, thereby allowing us to draw conclusions that the elastomer deformation forces have a significant influence. There is a proposal to take into account the elastomer deformation effect on the force characteristics of the pneumatic muscle by dint of the correction factor available from a comparative estimate of the force characteristics of the idealized membrane and the normalized force characteristics of the pneumatic muscles of the MAS family.The results of the performed studies allow us to predict the force characteristics of pneumatic muscles at the stage of their design and in-service.

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