Let's Cut to the Chase: An Analysis of Experimental and Archaeological Data in the Process of Butchery

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2021: General Sessions" session, at the 86th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This research identifies where taphonomic effects, specifically cut marks are found on zooarchaeological materials from both the archaeological and experimental contexts. Analysis of such taphonomic effects include identification of similar patterning, placement of those marks between the archaeological record, and experimental research. This allows researchers to establish the human behaviors employed when producing cut marks. Faunal analysis for this project was conducted by Northern Arizona University, Department of Anthropology, Faunal Analysis Laboratory (NAUDAFAL) volunteers using standardized zooarchaeological methods. Additionally, clustering of cut marks, specifically placement on the element (proximal, distal, or shaft), and orientation (perpendicular or parallel to the element) were documented. Previous research suggests orientation and positioning of cut marks can be useful in identifying styles of butchery, specifically filleting or disarticulation. These studies, however, ignore data by solely using experimental information and ignoring archaeological evidence. By comparing the archaeological record to experimental studies, a more holistic examination of the process can be obtained and improve experimental design protocols useful in elucidating human behaviors from archaeological sites. We argue without evaluation of both experimental and archaeological data, the understanding of taphonomic effects would be nothing more than glorified quantification.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 86th Annual Meeting, Online (2021)   •
• SAA 2021: General Sessions

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 33106