[Bonetools] doubt in taphonomy

[Marina Evora]

Hello,

I'm doing research in bone tools from Portuguese Paleolithic sites and I have this doubt in taphonomy.

Some antler artifacts from one archaeological site in particular - Abrigo Grande das Bocas - have varnish on their whole surface that was put there in the laboratory museum to mark the inventory number. When I wanted to analyse it under the binocular microscope to see if it had any manufacturing marks the varnish didn't let me "read" the surface.

Can I consider this varnish as a taphonomic mark? Or the taphonomic process stops right after the excavation and recovery of the artifacts?

My research is to identify the manufacturing marks  left by the lithic tools on the osseous surface and in this case that varnish is almost "acting like" calcareous concretions in some way.

I would appreciate all the help.

Thanks,

MEvora
(sorry for my english)

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