[Bonetools] worn scapulae

[Christian Küchelmann]

Dear Rozalia,

I would like to emphasize that the grooves have a U-shaped instead of a 
V-shaped cross section. Further they look polished even in the deep of 
the groove. This is unlikely if not impossible if using any sharp-edged 
object on the bone (e. g. for butchery). It must therefore have been 
something with a rounded surface. I think a thread is not completely out 
of question, but I agree with Etan that it will not cause such a mark by 
simple impession (e. g. tight tying around the bone). Instead I would 
suggest a repeated movement on the bone, like a cord running over an 
edge. Just an idea, however.

Best

Christian

-- 
KNOCHENARBEIT

Hans Christian Küchelmann
Diplom-Biologe

Konsul-Smidt-Str. 30,  D-28217 Bremen,  Germany
tel: +421 - 61 99 177
fax: +421 - 37 83 540
mail: info at knochenarbeit.de
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rozalia christidou schrieb:
> Exactly. As you say. I have never seen such deep grooves on the experimental
> tools. This is why I can't answer Lionel's question.
> I shall send to him all of the answers I get and let you know about
> experiments and their results, if he's willing to make them.
> You've a great help.
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Etan Ayalon" <etana at eretzmuseum.org.il>
> To: "Mailing list for archaeologists of the research group for the study
> ofobject and waste of bone,antler. ivory and horn."
> <bonetools at listserv.iif.hu>
> Sent: Thursday, November 22, 2007 9:50 PM
> Subject: RE: [Bonetools] worn scapulae
> 
> 
> 
> Dear Rozalia,
> It does not seem probable that threads, even if tightened, can make such
> grooves, especially that they are not even or completely circling the
> object. It seems that they are the result of butchery or of cleaning the
> bone to prepare it for its purpose, and only later this part of the tool got
> polished because of the work done with it. Perhaps thread or cloth were tied
> to it so it would be more comfortable to hold ans use. I wonder if the
> experts of use-wear found out what signs leave sweating hands holding a tool
> for a long time.
> Etan Ayalon
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bonetools-bounces at listserv.iif.hu on behalf of rozalia christidou
> Sent: Thu 11/22/2007 9:33 PM
> To: Mailing list for archaeologists of the research group for
> Subject: [Bonetools] worn scapulae
> 
> Dear all,
> Dr. Lionel Gourichon sent to me photographs of tools made from scapulae
> showing polished grooves near or on the neck of the bone. As you can see on
> the photographs attached, their number, length and distribution vary.
> He asked me if these marks could be produced by threads tightly tied around
> the neck in order to prepare a handle for the tool.
> I cannot answer his question. I asked his permission to circulate the
> photographs on this website and ask for information.
> We have already experimental specimens used as thong stretchers and, of
> course, we have examined the examples published by Semenov and, more
> recently, Dr. Sandra Olsen and comparisons will be made. We would appreciate
> your help in order to examine the problem properly.
> We thank you in advance
> Rozalia Christidou
> PS.
> 1) I sent the photos in two separate e-mails. The photos come from different
> objects.
> 2) To Etan Ayalon: I started looking at the bibliography and ask Classical
> Archaeologists for more information