distinguishing antler types

[Francois Poplin]

The only way would be that I can take the pieces in proper hand and look to
them directly... alas ! it's far away. Sincerely.

>Hello to all.
>
>        I am currently dealing with various collections of bone and antler
tools
>from northern and southeastern Manitoba, Canada.  Some of these tools are
highly
>modified and/or eroded.  With collections that I have worked on in the past, it
>has been fairly straightforward to distinguish between various antler types,
>based on external and internal texture, basic shape, etc.  The newest
>collections, however, are proving to be more difficult.  The potential sources
>of antler available would have included moose (Alces alces), elk (Cervus
>canadensis), and caribou (Rangifer tarandus).  Does anyone have any
>ideas/references/information regarding the potential distinctions between these
>types of antler?  I understand that the antler can vary based on population,
>animal condition, etc.  Do these factors serve to confuse the distinctions
>between the species?
>                I would very much appreciate any help on this matter! Thanks in
>advance.
>                                                        Kate Peach
>
>e-mail at: umapeach at cc.umanitoba.ca
>
>
       François POPLIN
       Directeur de l'URA 1415
       "Archéozoologie et Histoire des Sociétés"
       Laboratoire d'Anatomie comparée
       Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
       8, rue de Buffon 75005 Paris
       tél (33) 01 40 79 33 11 - fax (33) 01 40 79 33 14