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The effect of eraser sampling for proteomic analysis on Palaeolithic bone surface microtopography.
Virginie Sinet-Mathiot1, Naomi L Martisius2,3, Ellen Schulz-Kornas2,4
1Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany. virginie_sinet@eva.mpg.de.
Scientific Reports
|December 9, 2021
Summary
The Eraser Extraction Method (EEM) may damage ancient bone surfaces, creating micro-striations that mimic use-wear. This study suggests EEM is a destructive technique, potentially unsuitable for identifying Pleistocene bone specimens.
Area of Science:
- Archaeological science
- Paleoproteomics
- Bone surface analysis
Background:
- Bone surface modifications offer insights into human subsistence, diet, and tool use.
- Non-destructive proteomic techniques are emerging for analyzing rare cultural artefacts like bone tools.
- The Eraser Extraction Method (EEM), adapted from parchment analysis, is being applied to bone and ivory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the Eraser Extraction Method (EEM) on ancient bone surfaces.
- To determine if EEM is a suitable non-destructive technique for Palaeolithic bone artefacts.
- To assess the potential for EEM to obscure or mimic ancient use-wear traces.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of six Palaeolithic bone specimens from Bacho Kiro Cave, Bulgaria.
- Controlled sampling experiment using the Eraser Extraction Method (EEM).
- Qualitative and 3D quantitative microscopy to assess surface changes.
Main Results:
- The Eraser Extraction Method (EEM) caused minor flattening of bone microtopography.
- Micro-striations were observed on all tested bone specimens after EEM application.
- These induced modifications resemble ancient use-wear traces.
Conclusions:
- The Eraser Extraction Method (EEM) is considered a destructive sampling method for Palaeolithic bone surfaces.
- EEM may not be suitable for taxonomic identification of Pleistocene bone specimens, especially given variable ZooMS success rates.
- Further research is needed to refine or validate non-destructive techniques for ancient bone analysis.
