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Accession Number
21341
Title Of Article Chaper
Marked Human Bones from Gough's Cave, Somerset
Title Of Journal Book
Proceedings of the University of Bristol Spelaeological Society
Volume
17
Issue
3
Pages
275-285
Collation
15 p. : ills., 7 plates, 4 figs.
Reference Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
The loan by Cheddar Caves Museum of the hominid specimens found at Gough's Cave, Somerset, to the British Museum (Natural History) provided an opportunity to study a number of marks, including linear incisions, noted by previous authors and attributed to human activities. After documenting the distribution, orientation and macroscopic characteristics of the marks, their microscopic features were recorded using a binocular light microscope and scanning electron microscope. These examinations revealed generally random groups of various types of incisions as well as gouges and indentations. Comparison of these results with modern experimental and taphonomic data suggests that the marks observed are largely due to natural damage which occured when the bones were at or near the surface of the deposits. Exceptionally, some equivocalevidence for deliberate human interference occurs on the adult mandible (Gough's Cave 6) and may be related to the post mortem removal of the tongue.
Keywords
mark;human;bone;Gough's Cave;Somerset
pub_id
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