|
|
|
Cultural Modification
 There is ample evidence for the cultural
manipulation and alteration of bone material. One example is the
evidence for butchery, as cut marks were found on 1.2 % of the
assemblage (30 bones). For example, cut marks can be seen in the
upper left area of this cattle forelimb from
Figure 9  . In
Figure 10
we see clear evidence that a sheep/goat horn core (boney
protrusion extending out from the skull) had been cut/sawed off
near its base. The butchery intent behind these marks is
different; meat removal would have been the target product for
processing the cattle ulna, while the horn casing covering the
horn core may have been the valued commodity for use as a type
of container. Only one bone tool was found in the assemblage
(Figure 11 ). A missing portion at one end shows that it is
incomplete. Its function is unknown, but given its shape and
size it could have been used as a garment fastener.
 The most widespread evidence for cultural modification of animal
bones were the burnt remains, consisting of about 3.1% of the
assemblage (79 bones). Over 80% of the burnt assemblage (65
bones) was colored black, while other bones had turned brown
(3), grey (1), white (2), and undetermined color (8). Bones
change color when exposed to heat because their organic
components decompose (Shipman et al. 1984:322). Studies
conducted by Shipman et al. (1984:309) and Nicholson (1993) have
confirmed that burnt bones which turned brown and black are
associated with cooler temperatures than those colored white and
gray. Given all the variables affecting the ranges of bone
color, they should be regarded as only a general guideline as to
the temperature that a bone had reached (Shipman et al.
1984:314; Nicholson 1993:425). Most of the bones at Mudaybic
represents less intense heat, suggesting meal preparation rather
than the elimination of refuse that would produce more grey and
white bones. If meat was cooked at the site, perhaps animal
portions delivered to the fortress were raw, or at least cured
in such a way that it would not spoil. However, the locus of
discovery of the burnt bones may not be that of original
combustion, as meat could have been cooked prior to its delivery
to expectant soldiers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
