Burnt bones and teeth: an experimental study of color, morphology, crystal structure and shrinkage

Shipman, Pat; Foster, G. V.; Schoeninger, Margaret J.

doi:10.1016/0305-4403(84)90013-x

Cited by 807 publications

(733 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…The extent of protective materials present represents an important factor since they maximize differences in temperature between that of the heat source and the temperature of the effected skeletal remains [50]. Since temperature of the heat source can differ extensively from bone temperature, the duration of the heat becomes important [51,52].…”

Section: Shrinkagementioning

confidence: 99%

“…At 1600 8C and above, melting of bone mineral can occur with recrystalization after cooling [54]. Shipman et al [52] document growth in the crystal size of hydroxyapatite during experiments with controlled burning of sheep and goat bones. Experimental research by Sillen and Hoering [55] found some increase in crystallinity between 200 8C and 700 8C and with temperatures above 700 8C apatite was transformed into whitlockite.…”

Section: Structural Changesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The forensic evaluation of burned skeletal remains: A synthesis

Ubelaker

2009

Forensic Science International

265

165

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Section: Shrinkagementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Structural Changesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The forensic evaluation of burned skeletal remains: A synthesis

Ubelaker

2009

Forensic Science International

265

165

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…While the outer surface is most probably exposed to very high temperatures in the crematory oven, the inside of the bones is not fully incinerated, indicating that the duration of heat exposure was too short in order to significantly alter the bone's interior (see [6,13,58], also compare experimentally burned bones). This is a very important finding for the assessment of the applicability of DNA-and stable isotope analyses for identification purposes (see above).…”

Section: Overall High Temperature Modification Process and Indicatorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[6][7][8][9][10]) and the structural changes in the mineral portion related to the degree of heat exposure (e.g. [11][12][13][14][15][16]).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Research potential and limitations of trace analyses of cremated remains

Harbeck

Schleuder

Schneider

et al. 2011

Forensic Science International

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“…6). The colours reflect the degree of burning, which is a function of the prior state of the bone (weathered or 'green'), exposure (whether lying on the surface or buried) and the intensity and duration of the fire (Shipman et al, 1984). Burning is also indicated by calcined shell, charcoal (some up to 2 cm across), 'clinker' (Fig.…”

Section: Evidence Of Fire Usementioning

confidence: 99%

Humans in the Hoxnian: habitat, context and fire use at Beeches Pit, West Stow, Suffolk, UK

Preece

Gowlett

Parfitt

et al. 2006

J Quaternary Science

109

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A Lower Palaeolithic industry at Beeches Pit, West Stow, Suffolk, occurs within an interglacial sequence that immediately overlies glacial deposits, referable to the Anglian Lowestoft Formation. There is strong biostratigraphical evidence from both vertebrates and molluscs that the interglacial represented is the Hoxnian (MIS 11). This conclusion is supported by uranium series dates from carbonate nodules (>400 kyr), TL dates from burnt flint (414 AE 30 kyr) and a range of amino acid racemisation data. The archaeology consists of flint artefacts of Acheulian character, including many refitting examples. Charred material is abundant in three stratigraphical units and many bones and flints have been burnt, indicating repeated occurrence of fire. Several discrete areas of burnt sediment appear to be hearths. This interpretation is supported by: (1) the intensity of burning (600-8008C) implied by the charred and calcined bones; (2) the intersection of two of the burnt areas, implying separate burning events at slightly different, overlapping locations; (3) the discovery of two burnt flakes that refit onto an adjacent group that are unburnt, indicating that the burning was highly localised; and (4) the spatial distribution of artefacts respects the features interpreted as hearths, suggesting fireside knapping. Fossils associated with the archaeology indicate occupation within closed deciduous forest in a fully temperate climate. Attractions to this unusual environment would have included the fresh water provided by springs, a rich supply of potential food and a prolific source of good quality flint for tool manufacture. The archaeological evidence therefore suggests that the site repeatedly served as an area of focused activities (perhaps a 'home-base') during much of the interglacial. The upper levels of the sequence provide clear faunal evidence of climatic deterioration during which human occupation and fire use persisted. Biostratigraphical correlations with other Lower Palaeolithic sites lend support to the suggestion that Acheulian and Clactonian industries occurred in Britain during the same substage of the Hoxnian, although not necessarily at precisely the same time.

show abstract

Burnt bones and teeth: an experimental study of color, morphology, crystal structure and shrinkage

Cited by 807 publications

References 18 publications

The forensic evaluation of burned skeletal remains: A synthesis

The forensic evaluation of burned skeletal remains: A synthesis

Research potential and limitations of trace analyses of cremated remains

Humans in the Hoxnian: habitat, context and fire use at Beeches Pit, West Stow, Suffolk, UK

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