3D analysis of cut marks using a new geometric morphometric methodological approach
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ORIGINAL PAPER
3D analysis of cut marks using a new geometric morphometric methodological approach Lloyd A. Courtenay 1 & Jose Yravedra 1,2 & Miguel Ángel Mate-González 3,4 & Julia Aramendi 1,2 & Diego González-Aguilera 3
Received: 7 June 2017 / Accepted: 11 October 2017 # Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany 2017
Abstract The arrival of new methodological approaches to study microscopic qualities in cut mark morphology has been a major improvement in our understanding of butchering activities. Micro-morphological differences can be detected in multiple different taphonomic alterations on bone cortical surfaces that can later be used to compare different trace mark types. Through this, we can generate studies that are able to diagnose the specific taphonomic agents and activities that produce said traces that can be found on osteological surfaces. This paper presents experimental data that have been studied using micro-photogrammetry and geometric morphometrics, successfully distinguishing morphological differences in cut marks produced by different lithic tool types as well as different raw materials. The statistical results and methodologies presented here can later be applied to archaeological sites; aiding in our understanding of raw material exploitation, tool production as well as the different butchering activities that are present in faunal assemblages. Keywords Taphonomy . Experimental archaeology . Geometric morphometrics . Cut marks . Raw materials * Lloyd A. Courtenay [email protected]
1
Department of Prehistory, Complutense University, Prof. Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
2
IDEA (Institute of Evolution in Africa), Covarrubias 36, 28010 Madrid, Spain
3
Deparment of Cartography and Terrain Engineering, Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
4
C. A. I. Archaeometry and Archaeological Analysis, Complutense University, Professor Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Introduction Studying taphonomic traces within the archaeological record can be complex and difficult to the untrained eye; through this, the use of experimentation has become essential to build a series of theoretical frames of reference (Gifford-Gonzalez 1991) that contribute towards a middle range theory (Merton 1967; Binford 1967, 1968, 1981) that can aid in our understanding of ancient hominid populations. Some of the greatest taphonomic debates have fallen under the common difficulty many analysts face in correctly diagnosing the presence of anthropic intervention in faunal accumulations (Blumenschine et al. 1996). Cut marks are one of the main traces of human exploitation activities that have been identified in the fossil record. A cut mark is a Bgroove^ or Blinear mark^ (Fernández-Jalvo and Andrews 2016) that penetrates the surface of the bone through the displacement and movement of organic tissue in the process of moving a sharpened edge against bone. While the common understanding of cut mark production is most commonly associated to lithic tools, many other raw materials can
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