Identification of Fragmented Mammoth Ivory in Archaeological Sites Using SEM Microscopy

Summary

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

Although mammoth ivory appears distinctive from other organic materials when found in large pieces, many morphological characteristics that distinguish ivory – such as Schreger lines – cannot be easily identified in small fragments. However, other characteristics, including dental tubules and canals, can be microscopically identified. In this study, I establish a methodology for identifying sub-centimeter ivory fragments using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). After blind testing this method, I then apply it to the fragmentary faunal remains from the La Prele Mammoth site, a Clovis mammoth kill/scavenge and campsite from Converse County, Wyoming. Fragmentary pieces of ivory have been identified in multiple excavation blocks, suggesting that the Clovis occupants were processing and sharing ivory across the site. This method for identifying sub-centimeter ivory has applications at other archaeological sites with fragmentary faunal collections.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 33374