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Bone breakage in the Krapina hominid collection
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|March 1, 1987
Summary
The Krapina Neandertal fossil fragments were not primarily broken by ancient cannibals. Microscopic analysis revealed most damage resulted from excavation and natural geological processes, not prehistoric hominid activity.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Archaeology
- Geology
Background:
- The Krapina Neandertal remains exhibit fragmentation, leading to hypotheses about their cause.
- One hypothesis suggests cannibalism by hominids seeking marrow and brains.
- Alternative explanations include excavation damage and natural geological forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of fragmentation in the Krapina Neandertal fossil material.
- To test the cannibalism hypothesis against excavation damage and natural geological processes.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic inspection of all Krapina hominid specimens.
- Analysis of breakage morphology to differentiate between human activity and natural processes.
Main Results:
- 23% of the Krapina hominid material showed evidence of breakage during modern excavation or quarrying.
- The morphology of prehistoric breakage is inconsistent with cannibalism.
- Prehistoric breakage patterns support causation by sedimentary pressure and/or roof falls.
Conclusions:
- Cannibalism is an unlikely cause for the fragmentation of the Krapina Neandertal remains.
- Excavation damage accounts for a significant portion of the breakage.
- Sedimentary pressure and/or roof falls are the most probable causes of prehistoric breakage in the Krapina fossil assemblage.