Cémento-chronologie de quelques dents de bouquetin des Pyrénées (Capra Hircus Pyrenaica) provenant de la Grotte des Eglises (Ussat, Ariège)/Cementochronology of Pyrenean Ibex (Capra Hircus Pyrenaica) teeth from Les Eglises Cave (Ussat, Ariège)

Cementochronology of Pyrenean Ibex (Capra Hircus Pyrenaica) teeth from Les Eglises Cave (Ussat, Ariège). Cementum increment analysis is considered a very useful method to study the seasonality of Paleolithic sites. The method is applicable to a wide range of taxa but it needs to be validated for each one of them. In this paper, we analyse remains of Pyrenean Ibex (Capra hircus pyrenaica) coming from Les Eglises cave (Ussat - Ariège - France) We compare the seasonality results established by cementum increment analysis with those independently established by another author on the basis of eruption-wear patterns. Image analysis software has been used for cementum annulation interpretations.La cémento-chronologie est reconnue comme une méthode de première utilité pour déterminer la saisonnalité des habitats de chasseurs paléolithiques. Intéressant de nombreux groupes zoologiques, cette méthode demande à être validée pour chacun d'eux. Ici, les auteurs s'intéressent au Bouquetin des Pyrénées et comparent les résultats qu'ils ont collectés par la méthode de la cémento-chronologie à d'autres obtenus à partir de l'étude du degré d'évolution dentaire. Ils illustrent également l'aide apportée, pour la lecture, par un logiciel de traitement et d'analyse d'image.Griggo Christophe, Pubert Eric. Cémento-chronologie de quelques dents de bouquetin des Pyrénées (Capra Hircus Pyrenaica) provenant de la Grotte des Eglises (Ussat, Ariège)/Cementochronology of Pyrenean Ibex (Capra Hircus Pyrenaica) teeth from Les Eglises Cave (Ussat, Ariège). In: Paléo, n°11,1999. pp. 177-185

Using Cementochronology to Discuss the Organization of Past Neanderthal Societies

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Saisonnalité des activités de prédation des chasseurs aurignaciens d’Isturitz

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Freshwater fish in the middle of the sea: isotopic evidence for freshwater fish farming on Delos (Greece) during the Hellenistic period

International audienceThe archaeological investigations of Delos’s latrines unveiled a surprising discovery: the remains of freshwater fish (Cyprinidae, Sander lucioperca, Siluris glanis). The bones, retrieved in contexts dating back to the Hellenistic period (2nd–1st centuries BCE), raise the question of the origin of the fish and their significance within an archipelago situated in the heart of the Aegean Sea. Despite Delos lacking permanent natural freshwater sources or reservoirs, a convergence of archaeological, archaeozoological, and epigraphic evidence indicates that these fish were deliberately transported while alive and subsequently held within an artificial lake under the administration of the Apollonian sanctuary.Stable isotope analysis was considered to gain insight into the origin(s) and the environment in which the fish were raised. Given the destructive nature of the method and the rarity of the bones, every effort was made to conserve as much information as possible before analysis. Micro-CT scans were produced for all bones, along with 3D prints of samples that were subsequently destroyed. Micro samples were taken for FTIR-ATR analysis both to estimate collagen content and to gauge the effect of diagenesis on bone carbonates. Samples failing to meet quality standards were omitted from the analysis. Analysis revealed high alteration of carbonates. However, despite the particularly harsh environmental conditions of Delos, collagen conservation was promising as all except 1 bone (24 bones analyzed) were estimated to provide enough collagen for extraction.Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of bone collagen was then carried out. High variability in the data seems to indicate multiple origins for the fish. Indeed, the results spread further than expected considering both species-specific diets and intraspecies trophic levels (based on size estimations). High δ13C values compared to two marine fish bones also collected on Delos suggest a slightly brackish environment for some samples. Regionally, little data has been produced for archaeological freshwater fish, significantly complicating comparisons and interpretation. This study's results do nonetheless fall within the range of the data produced for prehistoric freshwater fish dating from prehistoric times in continental north Greece. These isotopic data solidify the hypotheses that freshwater fish were transported live and stocked in the sacred lake of Delos, possibly sometimes for several years if the pluviometry permitted

Pech-de-l 'Azé I (Carsac, Dordogne) : nouveaux travaux sur le Moustérien de tradition acheuléenne

The Mousterian of Acheulian tradition (MAT) is considered by many to be a forerunner of the Chatelperronian. Although there are new data concerning the latter, recent and detailed studies of the MAT are rare. Pech-de-1'Azé I (Carsac, Dordogne) is one of the few Middle Palaeolithic sites containing several levels of MAT, making it a key site for understanding the technical and economic behaviour underlying this industry. In 1999 we began a new study of the site with the following objectives: studying Bordes' unpublished collection from the 1970-1971 excavation (stone tool industry, utilized black colorants and faunal remains); identifying the site formation processes; obtaining radiometric dates; and evaluating the site potential for palaeo- environmental studies. The preliminaiy results of this ongoing project are presented here.Le Moustérien de tradition acheuléenne est considéré par plusieurs auteurs comme un technocomplexe précurseur du Châtelperronien. Malgré l'apport de nouvelles données à propos du Châtelperronien, le Moustérien de tradition acheuléenne n'a fait l'objet ces dernières années que de rares analyses détaillées. Pech-de-l'Azé I (Carsac, Dordogne) est un des rares gisements à avoir livré en stratigraphie plusieurs niveaux de Moustérien de tradition acheuléenne. Il représente de ce fait un site clé pour définir les comportements techniques et économiques dans ce contexte moustérien particulier. Nous avons engagé en 1999 un programme de recherche sur ce site dont les principaux objectifs sont : l'étude de la collection inédite F. Bordes (fouilles 1970-1971), l'analyse des processus de formation du gisement, la datation radiométrique des niveaux archéologiques et l'évaluation du potentiel d'information en terme de paléoenvironnement du site. Cette note présente la problématique et la méthodologie de ce projet ainsi que le résultat des premières évaluations concernant les processus de formation de la séquence, son âge radiométrique et les analyses des restes fauniques.Soressi Marie, Armand Dominique, d'Errico Francesco, Jones Heather L., Pubert Eric, Rink W. Jack, Texier Jean-Pierre, Vivent Dominique. Pech-de-l 'Azé I (Carsac, Dordogne) : nouveaux travaux sur le Moustérien de tradition acheuléenne. In: Bulletin de la Société préhistorique française, tome 99, n°1, 2002. pp. 5-11

Improving Resolution In Dental Cementum Analyses Applied To Archaeological Contexts: CemeNTAA Project

Improving Resolution In Dental Cementum Analyses Applied To Archaeological Contexts: CemeNTAA Projec

Improving Resolution In Dental Cementum Analyses Applied To Archaeological Contexts: CemeNTAA Project

Improving Resolution In Dental Cementum Analyses Applied To Archaeological Contexts: CemeNTAA Projec

Estimating the age and season-at-death of ungulates from the analysis of archaeological dental cementum: Recent improvements and perspectives from the CemeNTAA project

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Using SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS to Explore Evidence of Treatment and Physiological Responses to Leprosy in Medieval Denmark

International audienceLeprosy can lead to blood depletion in Zn, Ca, Mg, and Fe and blood enrichment in Cu. In late medieval Europe, minerals were used to treat leprosy. Here, physiological responses to leprosy and possible evidence of treatment are investigated in enamel, dentine, and cementum of leprosy sufferers from medieval Denmark (n = 12) and early 20th century Romania (n = 2). Using SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS, 12 elements were mapped in 15 tooth thin sections, and the statistical covariation of paired elements was computed to assess their biological relevance. The results show marked covariations in the Zn, Ca, and Mg distributions, which are compatible with clinical studies but cannot be directly attributed to leprosy. Minerals used historically as a treatment for leprosy show no detectable intake (As, Hg) or a diffuse distribution (Pb) related to daily ingestion. Intense Pb enrichments indicate acute incorporations of Pb, potentially through the administration of Pb-enriched medication or the mobilization of Pb from bone stores to the bloodstream during intense physiological stress related to leprosy. However, comparisons with a healthy control group are needed to ascertain these interpretations. The positive correlations and the patterns observed between Pb and essential elements may indicate underlying pathophysiological conditions, demonstrating the potential of SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS for paleopathological investigations

Using SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS to Explore Evidence of Treatment and Physiological Responses to Leprosy in Medieval Denmark

Leprosy can lead to blood depletion in Zn, Ca, Mg, and Fe and blood enrichment in Cu. In late medieval Europe, minerals were used to treat leprosy. Here, physiological responses to leprosy and possible evidence of treatment are investigated in enamel, dentine, and cementum of leprosy sufferers from medieval Denmark (n = 12) and early 20th century Romania (n = 2). Using SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS, 12 elements were mapped in 15 tooth thin sections, and the statistical covariation of paired elements was computed to assess their biological relevance. The results show marked covariations in the Zn, Ca, and Mg distributions, which are compatible with clinical studies but cannot be directly attributed to leprosy. Minerals used historically as a treatment for leprosy show no detectable intake (As, Hg) or a diffuse distribution (Pb) related to daily ingestion. Intense Pb enrichments indicate acute incorporations of Pb, potentially through the administration of Pb-enriched medication or the mobilization of Pb from bone stores to the bloodstream during intense physiological stress related to leprosy. However, comparisons with a healthy control group are needed to ascertain these interpretations. The positive correlations and the patterns observed between Pb and essential elements may indicate underlying pathophysiological conditions, demonstrating the potential of SXRF and LA-ICP-TOFMS for paleopathological investigations