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Internat J Osteoarchaeol 14 (1)
Title
The title of the publication or report
Title:
Internat J Osteoarchaeol 14 (1)
Series
The series the publication or report is included in
Series:
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology
Volume
Volume number and part
Volume:
14 (1)
Publication Type
The type of publication - report, monograph, journal article or chapter from a book
Publication Type:
Journal
Editor
The editor of the publication or report
Editor:
Simon Hillson
G J R Maat
Shelley Saunders
Publisher
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Publisher:
John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Year of Publication
The year the book, article or report was published
Year of Publication:
2004
Source
Where the record has come from or which dataset it was orginally included in.
Source:
BIAB (The British & Irish Archaeological Bibliography (BIAB))
Relations
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Relations:
URI:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jissue/107581536
Created Date
The date the record of the pubication was first entered
Created Date:
04 May 2007
Please click on an Article link to go to the Article Details.
Article Title
Access Type
Author / Editor
Page
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Abstract
A procedural guide to metacarpal radiogrammetry in archaeology
R Ives
Megan B Brickley
7 - 17
The technique of metacarpal radiogrammetry was devised in 1960 as a clinical method to aid in the identification of thinned cortical bone, which may help in diagnosis of osteoporosis. Through taking measurements from radiographs, calculations of the amount of cortical bone can be made. This paper examines the value of the application of this technique to archaeological remains. A standardized methodology of bone assessment is incorporated to enhance the comparability of future research. Statistical tests demonstrate that the technique is robust, as the position of the bone on the film, radiographic enlargement and use of either the left or right metacarpal will not affect the results obtained. However, differences in film type and measurement position can introduce unacceptable variance into the results. Therefore, guidance is given on future applications of the technique. The technique does have value as a widely available, non-destructive technique for assessing cortical bone loss and the probable prevalence of osteoporosis in archaeological collections.
Analysis and interpretation of flint toolmarks found on bones from West Tump long barrow, Gloucestershire
M J Smith
M B Bickley
18 - 33
The Neolithic chambered tomb of West Tump, originally excavated in 1880, was found to contain a mixed skeletal assemblage, the majority of which was disarticulated. Between 2000 and 2001 material from the site including human bone was re-examined with a portion of this project focused on taphonomic evidence observed on the human skeletal material. Amongst the factors selected for investigation were deliberate toolmarks. Three specimens were identified as exhibiting toolmarks. Analysis demonstrated that the observed features were cutmarks, consistent with the use of flint tools. However those on two of the specimens were found to be both post-mortem and recent. The cutmarks observed on the remaining specimen, a right clavicle, were identified as having been inflicted during the peri-mortem period and consistent with decapitation. British Neolithic mortuary practice has been the subject of ongoing debate since the earliest excavations of relevant sites, but until very recently few assemblages from such contexts have been re-examined and much of the data in use has derived from sources of considerable age and questionable reliability. The selective removal of specific skeletal elements (particularly skulls) has repeatedly been described in the literature regarding the collective funerary monuments of this period. It has often been assumed that such practices took place after the soft tissues had decayed. One of the examples discussed suggests this may not always have been the case and the potential significance of this finding is discussed in addition to a possible interpretation of the cutmarks seen on the remaining specimens.
Post-mortem ablation of the heart: a medieval funerary practice.; A case observed at the cemetery of Ganagobie Prior...
Bertrand Mafart
J-P Pelletier
Michel Fixot
67 - 73
The skeletal remains of a medieval warrior were found in an eleventh-century tomb in the church of Ganagobie Priory in the French Department of Alpes de Haute Provence. Examination revealed evidence of multiple injuries including an arrow in the thorax, several sword blows, and a fractured sternum. The chest had been opened probably to allow removal of the heart after the last fatal blow to the skull. Post-mortem ablation of the heart was a widespread medieval funerary practice among elite classes in northern Europe. Numerous cases have been described involving British and French royalty. The practice was based on a mystical Middle Age belief that the heart was the spiritual and moral centre. After ablation, the heart was buried separately in a high place of holy worship where the living could pray for the salvation of deceased's soul. The rest of the body was sometimes dismembered and boiled to keep only the skeleton. Pope Boniface VIII forbade body boiling in 1299.