Gastroliths in archaeology: A note of caution

Abstract

Polished stones at archaeological sites are often identified as avian gastroliths, even though they lack a skeletal association. Such identification is based on the misconception that high polish characterizes gastroliths, an old idea refuted by diverse research. Thus, polished stones at archaeological sites are not necessarily gastroliths, and more rigor is urged in the identification and interpretation of such stones.