Purple Staining of Archaeological Human Bone: An Investigation of Probable Cause and Implications for Other Tissues and Artifacts

Cole, Garrard; Waldron, Tony

doi:10.1155/2016/9479051

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…In addition, the distinct two‐tone pattern of staining seen on several skulls, in which one section is stained a dark reddish‐purple, is discoloration that may be caused by the presence of PAP (Purple Acid Phosphatase enzyme), perhaps from the presence of a fungus such as Aspergillus ficuum that can enrich the soil with manganese (Cole & Waldron, 2016). Although none of the soil adhering to any of the crania has yet been subject to analysis, other research summarized in Dupras and Schultz (2013) suggests that manganese (II) carbonate (MnCO 3 ) and permanganate ions (KMnO 4 ) can stain bone pink, red, reddish‐brown and/or purple.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Aspergillus ficuum that can enrich the soil with manganese (Cole & Waldron, 2016). Although none of the soil adhering to any of the crania has yet been subject to analysis, other research summarized in Dupras and Schultz (2013) suggests that manganese (II) carbonate (MnCO 3 ) and permanganate ions (KMnO 4 ) can stain bone pink, red, reddish-brown and/or purple.…”

Section: Taphonomymentioning

confidence: 99%

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The osteology and provenance of a portion of the Parkinson collection, Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain, c. 1897

Huffer

2021

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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This article presents the results of combined osteological and archival research into the demographics, preservation condition, taphonomy, pathology, cultural modification, and collecting history of that specific portion of the Parkinson collection of human crania from New Britain, collected c. 1897, currently housed in the Etnografiska Museet (Ethnography Museum), Stockholm, Sweden. This assemblage of crania (n = 45) was acquired by Richard Heinrich Robert Parkinson (1844–1909), a Danish explorer and anthropologist initially in the employ of the Hamburg based J. C Goddefroy & Sohn in Samoa trading firm. In 1897, after independently settling on the Gazelle Peninsula of New Britain with his family and beginning to make collecting trips to local communities and those on neighboring islands, this collection of crania eventually came to reside at its present location. This article provides the first in‐depth analysis of the osteology of this collection contextualized within what is known and knowable about its ownership history and movement between collection and arrival in Stockholm. This includes translation of previously untranslateded correspondence from the original German that provide heretofore undisclosed information about Parkinson's collecting activities. Osteological analysis includes age and sex estimation, taphonomic modification as an indicator of initial depositional environment, discussion of select examples of pathology and trauma, and the comparative analysis of decorative motifs (where present). Results indicate a primarily young adult male assemblage, but with all major age classes and both sexes present. Incidents of trauma and pathology are low, but some unique examples are highlighted. The results of the taphonomic analysis reveal new insights into most probable means of primary and secondary deposition before collection and export to Europe. Overall, the work presented here furthers the argument that research into colonial‐era collecting and trading of human remains is most effective when osteological and archival research is conducted together whenever possible.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Taphonomymentioning

confidence: 99%

The osteology and provenance of a portion of the Parkinson collection, Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain, c. 1897

Huffer

2021

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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“…According to Cole and Waldron [20], Archaeological bone rarely matches the normal color of natural human bone. Such matches occur only in rare circumstances of excellent preservation, such as undisturbed burial in graves directly cut into chalk.…”

Section: Natural Of Iron Stainmentioning

confidence: 99%

Different Cleaning Techniques for Removal of Iron stain from Archaeological Bone Artifacts: A Review

2021

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Archaeological bone artifacts are found in different locations in Egypt, and they represent multiple values that should be preserved from different deterioration factors. Iron contamination is considered one of the most aspects of deterioration for bones extracted from excavation areas. This study aims to make an integrated study for the first time on the formation of iron rust stain on archaeological bones, explain the aspects and mechanism of its deterioration, explain traditional and advanced techniques of cleaning used for stain removal, and presents the analysis and investigations used to explain the deterioration mechanism or evaluate the materials and methods used in this process. The nature and formation of iron stain and its effect on archaeological bone components were explained. The cleaning techniques (mechanical, chemical, laser, and plasma) for removing it were discussed. Some analyses and investigations [such as different types of microscopes, X-ray fluorescence, Atomic absorption, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, etc.] that can be used in this process were mentioned. The results confirmed that iron is present within sediments can lead to the breakdown of collagen. It can cause an increase in the porosity of bone artifacts. Hydroxyapatite can undergo alterations such as ionic exchange, cationic exchange, and substitution of phosphate with carbonate. All cleaning techniques have many advantages and some disadvantages. The choice of method for cleaning of iron rust stain depends on the condition and size of the bone piece, and on the thickness and nature of the iron stain.

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Eco-friendly approach for control of fungal deterioration of archaeological skeleton dated back to the Greco-Roman period

Abdel-Maksoud¹,

Gaballah²,

Youssef³

et al. 2023

Journal of Cultural Heritage

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Purple Staining of Archaeological Human Bone: An Investigation of Probable Cause and Implications for Other Tissues and Artifacts

Cited by 6 publications

References 35 publications

The osteology and provenance of a portion of the Parkinson collection, Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain, c. 1897

The osteology and provenance of a portion of the Parkinson collection, Gazelle Peninsula, New Britain, c. 1897

Different Cleaning Techniques for Removal of Iron stain from Archaeological Bone Artifacts: A Review

Eco-friendly approach for control of fungal deterioration of archaeological skeleton dated back to the Greco-Roman period

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