Histological Estimation of Age at Death from the Compact Bone of Burned and Unburned Human Ribs

Absolonová, Karolína; Velemínský, Petr; Dobisíková, Miluše; Beran, Michal; Zocová, J.

doi:10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02303.x

Cited by 19 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…The results obtained from using quantitative petrography in the analysis of burned bone compliment those ascertained by previous histological research (Absolonová et al, 2013; Castillo et al, 2013; Squires et al, 2011) and those derived from the examination of macroscopic colour (Ullinger & Sheridan, 2015). This is encouraging and, when teamed with the data from the interobserver study, shows that this method is reliable.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

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Burning by numbers: A pilot study using quantitative petrography in the analysis of heat‐induced alteration in burned bone

Carroll

Squires

2020

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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In the past, experimental research into the histomorphological examination of burned human bone has led to the creation of a criterion for assessing burning intensity, which can be used to infer firing conditions in both archaeological and forensic contexts. Current methods visually compare the microscopic alterations in burned bone with modern bone samples fired at known temperatures and durations. Despite the benefits of this approach, it is hindered by the use of qualitative analysis, which is subject to the expertise of the examiner. This paper reviews previous histomorphological studies of burned bone and presents a new protocol for producing burned bone thin sections. It also introduces quantitative petrography as an alternative statistical method for categorising burning intensity. Four categories of burning intensity were calculated based on the quantified heatinduced changes identified in a pilot study examining burned porcine bone. These categories were consistent with those produced using more traditional qualitative methods, demonstrating that the results produced in this pilot study are reliable.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 87%

“…With regard to the preservation of histological microstructure, Brain (1993), Squires et al (2011) and Absolonová et al (2013) report that structures are still visible at 600°C. However, Hanson and Cain (2007) observed that histological structure disappeared between 482°C and 620°C.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Burning by numbers: A pilot study using quantitative petrography in the analysis of heat‐induced alteration in burned bone

Carroll

Squires

2020

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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“…Nonetheless, anthropologists have attempted to apply histomorphometry in age at death assessment, as quantitative methods such as histomorphometry are considered more objective by default, and clear and precise guidelines could ensure methodological reproducibility and repeatability. Also, some attempts have been made to analyse burned remains using histological methods (Absolonova et al 2012). Incinerated remains are extremely difficult to analyse due to extensive tissue damage.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Estimating age at death from an archaeological bone sample – a preliminary study based on comparison of histomorphometric methods

Mnich

Skrzat

Szostek

2017

Anthropological Review

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The estimation of age at death is one of the most fundamental biological parameters, determined on skeletal remains in anthropological context. That is why, there is a constant need to improve applied methods. Histomorphometry, which uses microscopic analysis of bone tissue is suggested to be one alternative method. In general, this technique is based on measurements and the determination of the number and density of basic bone structural units, osteons. Osteon density is found to be related with age of the individual. The main goal of this research was to compare results of determined age at death, on the basis of ribs histology, comes from methods proposed by different authors. We analyzed ground cross sections of ribs from archeological origin. The presented methodology is simple in use and effective. Four different methods were tested (Stout and Paine 1992;Cho et al. 2002;Kim et al. 2007;Bednarek et al. 2009). The obtained age results were compared with each other as well as related to the age estimated by standard macroscopic method used in anthropology. Bednarek's method is recognized to be the most supportive for anthropological analyzes. Methodological issues connected with grinding methodology and results interpretation are also presented. Hypothesis about interpopulation as well as histological and dimorphic differences were confirmed.

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“…For example, examiners have reported both an increase and decrease in osteon size as a result of an increase in temperature (Bradtmiller & Buikstra, 1984;Forbes, 1941;Hummel & Schutkowski, 1993;Nelson, 1992). In addition, the depletion of histological structure has also been described to occur at different temperatures (Absolonová, Veleminsky, Dobisikova, Beran, & Zocova, 2013;Brain, 1993;Hanson & Cain, 2007;Squires et al, 2011). These discrepancies have been attributed to a lack of standardisation in experimental design and sampling methods (Gonçalves, 2011).…”

Section: Histomorphology In Cremation Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

The application of quantitative petrography and macroscopic colour change in a comparative analysis of Roman and Anglo‐Saxon cremation practices

Carroll

Squires

2020

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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The microscopic examination of burned bone has allowed cremation research to infer a wealth of information concerning burning practices and pyre technology from archaeological contexts. Recently, a new approach for quantifying the microscopic heat-induced alterations in burned bone to categorise burning intensity using petrography has been developed within histomorphological studies. The following study is the first application of quantitative petrography to examine cremated remains from two archaeological contexts, with the aim of comparing funerary practices from Roman Britain and Anglo-Saxon England. Fifteen burials from the Roman cemetery of Folly Lane, Hertfordshire, and 16 burials from the Anglo-Saxon cemetery of Elsham, North Lincolnshire, were studied, with individuals ranging in age and sex. Analysis revealed a mix of burning intensities, with the majority of the Roman samples2 from Folly Lane (n = 10, 66.7%) achieving temperatures over 1000 C. In contrast, the Anglo-Saxon samples from Elsham showed greater diversity in burning intensity, with only six (37.5%) reaching temperatures in excess of 1000 C. The discussion suggests this differentiation is due to the use of ustores, or professional cremators at the Roman town of Verulamium, a custom that has been referenced amongst the Roman elite in literary sources. This assessment demonstrates how quantitative petrography combined with macroscopic colour change is an effective assessment of burning intensities from archaeological burned bone and should be applied on a larger scale, with a greater sample size across more sites.

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Histological Estimation of Age at Death from the Compact Bone of Burned and Unburned Human Ribs

Cited by 19 publications

References 40 publications

Burning by numbers: A pilot study using quantitative petrography in the analysis of heat‐induced alteration in burned bone

Burning by numbers: A pilot study using quantitative petrography in the analysis of heat‐induced alteration in burned bone

Estimating age at death from an archaeological bone sample – a preliminary study based on comparison of histomorphometric methods

The application of quantitative petrography and macroscopic colour change in a comparative analysis of Roman and Anglo‐Saxon cremation practices

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