Hi all,
 
In Finland we have almost exlusively burnt bones from Stone Age sites, so here we are quite familiar with the problem! Among others, I have written something general about it in my thesis (p. 13); the synopsis of the thesis can be found at: http://ethesis.helsinki.fi/julkaisut/mat/geolo/vk/ukkonen/
The subject has been delt with also by Kristiina Mannermaa: synopsis: http://www.doria.fi/handle/10024/38327, who also gives more references to the subject (p. 21).
 
Please contact me directly, if you think some of my/our papers could be of interest to you.
 
Regards,
Pirkko Ukkonen 
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:32:31 +0000
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ZOOARCH] burnt bone
To: [log in to unmask]

Dear all,

I have an assemblage comprised almost entirely of small calcined fragments of bone from a Mesolithic site in the Hebrides.  Few pieces are identifiable and most of these are articular surfaces of phalanges, carpals and tarpals.

I would be very interested in hearing if anyone has come across similar material and your views on whether this pattern is likely to result from the ability of small bones being better able to withstand the effects of burning.

One final request.....if anyone has a pdf of the following paper I would really appreciate a copy:

Grigson, C. & Mellars, P.A. (1987) The mammalian remains from the middens. pp. 243-289 in Mellars, P. A. (ed.) Excavations on Oronsay. Edinburgh University Press.

Many thanks

Claire