A pattern of metatarsal bovine bone surface alterations produced by human permanent teeth - An experimental approach

Abstract

© 2019 The Authors The research of human induced tooth marks on bone surface represents a promising field of investigation of high interest for archaeologists. The aim of this study was to address the issue of equifinality of tooth marks recognition and analysis using experimental setup involving permanent teeth. Five volunteers mouthed and chewed fresh metatarsal bovine bone. A total of >2000 marks were recorded and the type, geometry and metrics reported. Differences between tooth type and intensity level employed for marks formation were also described. The obtained data may support the identification and recognition of human tooth marks in the archaeological context.