Taphonomic analysis of Archaeological Material

Pre-requisites: None

Course objectives: Introducing students to the taphonomic processes and the reconstruction possibilities of accumulation and destruction of archaeozoological material, as well as other archaeological materials.

Course description: Taphonomy. Taphonomic processes. Biocenosis, Thanatocenosis, Liptocenosis, Taphocenosis. Orictocenosis. Degradation of bones and teeth due to atmospheric factors. Size of specimen and the level of fragmentation. Types of fractures. Deposition of mineral oxides on animal bones and teeth. Evidence of fire on animal bones and teeth: partially burned, carbonated and calcified bones. Human factor in the modification of osteological finds. Biological factors of accumulation and modification of osteological finds.

Learning Outcomes: Essay, midterm examination and written examination

Literature/Reading:

• Lyman L., 2001, Vertebrate Taphonomy, Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology, Cambridge University Press, 524 pp.
• Dimitrijević V., 1992: Značaj tafonomske analize faune u arheologiji paleolita.- Arheologija i prirodne nauke, naučni skup SANU i VANU, održan 23. i 24.oktobra 1990. u Beogradu i 25.oktobra 1990. u Novom Sadu, SANU, Naučni skupovi, knj.LXIV, Odeljenje ist.n., knj.21: 61-64, Beograd.
• Behrensmeyer A.K. & Hill A.P., 1980, Fossils in the making, Vertebrate Taphonomy and Paleoecology, University of Chicago Press, 338 p.
• D’Erriko F. & Villa P., 1997, Holes and grooves: the contribution of microscopy and taphonomy to the problem of art origins Journal of Human Evolution, 33, 1–31.
• Tyler Faith J., Marean C., Behrensmayer A., 2007, Carnivore competition, bone destruction, and bone density, Journal of Archaeological Science 34: 2025-2034.