The use of confocal microscopy and SEM for the determination of cut marks on human bones. Its application to a case study, in the foothill of Jujuy, Argentina (2000-1500 AP)

Abstract

This article presents results from the analysis of a human skull worked by cuts, from an archaeological site in the San Francisco Valley, Northwestern Argentina (2000-1500 AP). The reassembly of the fragments allowed for the reconstruction of the skull shape and revealed this important perimortem modification. Although numerous individuals with signs of pre-burial interventions have been recorded in the region, this finding is unique because of the kind of work done on the skull.Three microscopic analysis techniques were employed in order to understand the type of instrument used in this modification and to reconstruct the technical sequence of the work process, including: observation with stereoscopic magnifying glass, confocal scanning optical microscopy, and SEM. Different analyses with high magnification technology allowed us to recognize various macro and micro marks that were the product of the operations carried out when working the bone. The results indicate the use of different tools, and establish the steps that intervened in the modification of the skull. Finally, these findings are discussed within the framework of the regional archaeological context.