Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Burned bone coloration has been used for decades to help in the bioanthropological analysis of burned human bones. However, there is a variety of factors that can interfere with the coloration manifested by bones exposed to heat, resulting in colors that differ from the usual black to white gradient. In this study, we evaluated possible causes of unusual coloration changes and hues in burned bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For that purpose, defleshed fresh pig (Sus scrofa) ribs as well as fresh and dry human clavicles were burned at four different temperatures (500, 700, 900 and 1100°C) in contact with different materials (CaO, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and polyester cloth). Observable color changes were assessed through naked eye observation and description, Munsell color charts, and reflectance spectrophotometry. Additionally, chemical changes in bone were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). RESULTS: Our results showed that some materials did affect usual burned bone coloration (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) and correspondent FTIR-ATR and XRF spectra. As for other materials, although no effect on visual bone coloration was observed, they still affected FTIR-ATR and XRF spectra (CaO and cloth). DISCUSSION: This study can contribute to the anthropological analysis of burned human remains, providing some answers to what can cause unusual types of heat-induced colorations.
DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24905
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,840
Awards: G1343778123, Centro de Investigação em Antropologia e Saúde, Unidade de I&D Química-Física Molecular, When chemistry meets anthropology: taphonomy and trauma of burned bones, Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet, G5207697595, G5226162757, G5849600946, G6915075703, G7598108672, G7782146763, Unidade de I&D Química-Física Molecular
OpenAlex ID: W4391400512