Hello again,
Alright, so the polishing might be a natural cause of rubbing the
antlers against trees. But (which I forgot to write in my previous
e-mail) the tines are sawn or chopped off at the base, which leads me
to believe that they were used for something.
My alternative theory would be that they are simply waste from antler
handicraft. However, I have not found anything alse suggesting antler
handicraft on the site.
Thanks,
Karin
Quoting Douglas Campana <[log in to unmask]>:
> You will often see polish at the tips of deer antlers that is not a
> result of their use as tools. It can result from deer rubbing their
> antlers against trees. Pam Crabtree
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karin Svensson" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:00 AM
> Subject: [ZOOARCH] antler tine pressure flakers?
>
>
>> Dear all,
>>
>> I am currently analysing an animal bone assemblage from a site in
>> Ireland and I have come across a number of antler tines which are
>> slightly polished at the ends. I understand that anter tines were
>> sometimes used as pressure flakers for flint knapping, but I have
>> not been able to find any articles referencing this. Does anybody
>> have any suggestions on articles?
>>
>> Also, I wonder at what time periods these tools were used. The site
>> in question ranges from Bronze Age to post-medieval periods,
>> although the main phase of activity was during the early medieval
>> period (I am certain at least some of the tines are from the
>> latter).
>>
>> I would be greatful for any suggestions!
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>>
>> Karin Svensson
>> Osteologist
Karin Svensson
Osteologist
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