Martyn,
Peculiar marks indeed.
To me they look like splits right through the cortical bone. If splits,
then they would have to have taken place when the bone was green. To
support this interpretation, there is a small, shiny breakage facet on
the uppermost left end. This looks like a break in green bone.
You don't mention the cultural period, but is there any history of
manufacturing artefacts such as bone bodkins?
Richard
On 21/02/2011 06:50, Martyn Allen wrote:
> Dear Zooarchers
>
> I have just placed a photo of a cattle metatarsal onto bone commons. It shows some deep linear markings along the medial surface. I think they may be pathological as the specimen already has other signs of disease. To be honest however, I'm not sure what these specific marks are or what has caused them. I have placed some more details with the photo on bone commons, so please have a look. Any help with a diagnosis would be greatly appreciated.
>
> The URL for the page is:
>
> http://www.alexandriaarchive.org/bonecommons/items/show/1736
>
> Many thanks,
> Martyn Allen
>
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