Hi all,

I need some help identifying a couple of bones from a shell midden in Calais, Maine near the Canada-U.S.A. border. These are both from a single Aboriginal context radiocarbon dated to just prior to, or during, the earliest European explorations of the area. However, my comparative collection is limited (no sea mammals or small mammal/bird phalanges) and I was hoping for some assistance in identification.

Pictures of the bones can be found at: http://zooarchaeology.ning.com/photo/albums/mystery-bones-2

The first specimen is a a fragment of what I believe to be a seal limb bone. It is broad and relatively dense, without any sign of a medullary cavity. Today, harbour (Phoca vitulina) and grey (Halichoerus grypus) seals are the only pinnipeds found in the vicinity. More northern species, such as hooded and bearded seals, may rarely stray so far south. Walrus were present historically as well. If anyone could tell me what element this is from and indicate species, I would be grateful.

The second is a complete phalanx which has been calcined through exposure to fire. I lack comparative material for phalanges and am unable to identify. It would be great if someone could point me in the right direction on this one.

Thank you,

Jesse

W. Jesse Webb

Graduate Student, M.A.

Department of Anthropology
University of New Brunswick
13 MacAulay Lane,
Annex C, Suite 28
Fredericton, NB

Canada, E3B 5A3