Check out:
Robinson, S., R. A. Nicholson, A. M. Pollard, and T. P. O'Connor 2003 "An Evaluation of Nitrogen Porosimetry as a Technique for Predicting Taphonomic Durability in Animal Bone". Journal of Archaeological Science 30(4):391-403.
From the abstract: "Qualitative zooarchaeological observations over many years have suggested that, for equivalent burial conditions, the bones of different taxa degrade at different rates, and that, even within a single skeleton, systematic variation often occurs.... We show that the bones of modern domestic pig are, on average, more porous than those of other ungulates, and should therefore be likely to degrade faster after burial. Systematic differences in porosity are also shown between different anatomical elements from a single individual and between adult and juvenile bone."
Also see Ioaanidou, E. 2003 "Taphonomy of Animal Bones: Species, Sex, Age and Breed Variability of Sheep, Cattle and Pig Bone Density". Journal of Archaeological Science 30(3):355-365
Cregg
>>> Jacqui Mulville <[log in to unmask]> 4/25/2006 10:34 AM >>>
Is there a good reference that proves the increased friablity/susceptibility of
pig bones to destruction? I am at home without my notes, and whilst I can
remember this being stated in bone reports I can't remember where....or why?
I know it get written a lot, but has anyone proved this? I note that andy
hammon made a similar enquiry some time ago (well about Brain and pigs)- but I
could find no answers with my search on 'pig'.
jacqui
Jacqui Mulville,
Lecturer in Bioarchaeology,
Examinations Officer
School of History and Archaeology
Cardiff University
Humanities Building
Colum Drive
Cardiff
CF10 3EU
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/hisar/people/archaeology/jm1/
Tel: + 44 (0) 29 2087 4247
Fax: + 44 (0) 29 2087 4929
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