Carnivore damage to antelope bones and its archaeological implications
Date
1980
Authors
Richardson, P. R. K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research
Abstract
The rates of survival, damage, fragmentation and degree of articulation of the bones of 89
bovids eaten by a variety of carnivores in the Transvaal are presented and evaluated. These
results are entirely predictable considering the size, density, shape and mode of attachment of
the bones. With the exception of the brown and spotted hyaenas the extent of damage to
these bones can be directly related to the sizes of the bovids and the carnivores concerned.
The hyaenas have disproportionately high abilities to crush bones, particularly the long limb
bones. The bones all had fairly uniform survival rates except the ribs, carpals, tarsals,
phalanges and caudal vertebrae, which are easily eaten or removed. Mandibles and scapulae
had exceptionally low articulation rates, and long bones, crania and ribs had the highest fragmentation
rates. Small bovid bones were far more susceptible to damage by trampling than
those of larger bovids.
Certain differences between carnivore and hominid damage to bones are mentioned. These
relate primarily to hominids using their hands to dismember and damage bones selectively,
particularly long bones which are broken in half to extract the marrow. A different pattern of
survival of long bone epiphyses resulting from hominid activity can be predicted from that
caused by carnivores, especially hyaenas. The pattern of survival of epiphyses at
Makapansgat is that predicted for hominids, whereas the pattern at Swartklip I, an accepted
hyaena site, is the opposite. It is therefore suggested that australopithecines were the primary
bone collectors at Makapansgat. Further data on the differences between carnivore and hominid
damage are also presented.
Description
Main article
Keywords
hominid; carnivore; bone damage; Transvaal
Citation
None