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Thompson, JE, Martín-Vega, D, Buck, LT, Power, RK, Stoddart, S and Malone, C (2018) Identification of dermestid beetle modification on Neolithic Maltese human bone: Implications for funerary practices at the Xemxija tombs. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 22. pp. 123-131. ISSN 2352-409X
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Thompson et al 2018 Identification of dermestid beetle modification_Accepted.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (714kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Taphonomic modifications to Neolithic human skeletal remains from six rock-cut tombs in Malta has provided key information about funerary practices and the local environment. Application of microscopic analysis, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and 3D imaging of the modifications has allowed their comparison with similar examples in modern and archaeological skeletal material. The modifications are interpreted as pupal chambers and feeding damage by dermestid beetles. Based on observation of the behaviour and ecology of dermestid beetles, we suggest several scenarios for funerary practices at the Xemxija tombs which nuance our current understanding of collective burial during the late Neolithic in Malta. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Subjects: | C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography |
| Divisions: | Biological & Environmental Sciences (from Sep 19) |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Apr 2020 10:02 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Sep 2021 07:30 |
| DOI or ID number: | 10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.09.016 |
| URI: | https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/12695 |
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