Tracking taphonomy. Analysis of skeletal remains from wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Mesolithic sites in Scania, Southern Sweden

This study is an effort to describe and analyse the taphonomic history of skeletal remains of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) from six Mesolithic sites. Five methods have been used to analyse the effect of different taphonomic processes. A positive correlation between bone element frequency (%MAU) and structural bone density in all but one bone sample (Segebro) indicates high taphonomic loss on the sites. No evidence of a selective transport by body parts to the sites could be identified, but fluvial transport of bones from one site have been significant. Bone fragmentation varies between the bone samples, but shows no relationship with the degree of bone survivorship on different sites. Analysis of tooth marks from carnivore gnawing and spatial distribution of bones in refuse layers and occupation areas indicates different taphonomic histories of wild boar and red deer within sites. The results accentuate the importance of making site specific studies of the effect of taphonomic processes on skeletal remains.