An experimental archaeological study of the formation causes of incomplete bones from the Wulanmulun site

doi:10.16359/j.1000-3193/AAS.2024.0032

Abstract

Abstract:

Animal skeletons serve as valuable artifacts and crucial research targets in Paleolithic sites. Nevertheless, fragmented animal bones, especially those with species difficult to identify, have yet to receive adequate attention. The Wulanmulun site, a Middle Paleolithic site situated on the banks of the Wulanmulun River in Kangbashi New District, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, dates back to 65 kaBP ~ 50 kaBP. Since its discovery and excavation in 2010, a substantial number of stone artifacts and animal fossils have been unearthed. Currently, in-depth investigations have been carried out regarding lithic artifacts, zooarchaeology, and taphonomy at this site. Hence, we will concentrate on the abundant previously unstudied incomplete skeletons and explore their formation processes to uncover their associations with human behavior and natural burial.

This paper centers on the 57,858 incomplete animal bone fossils excavated from the Wulanmulun site between 2010 and 2014, with the aim of probing into the formative factors of incomplete skeletal remains at the site. By means of quantitative analysis, experimental archaeology, and comparative analysis, we scrutinize the quantity and morphology of incomplete skeletal remains in an endeavor to elucidate the cultural traits and behavioral patterns of ancient humans. The findings suggest that: Firstly, the copious small-sized burned bones were presumably utilized as fuel instead of being the byproducts of roasting meat. Secondly, bone flakes, bone tools, and bone artifacts signify the activities of ancient humans in percussing and retouching bones, which differ from mere smashing for procuring food. Thirdly, through comparative analysis, it is deduced that marrow extraction and bone tool manufacturing coexisted at the Wulanmulun site, and the scarcity of 5 - 10 cm sized incomplete bones is correlated with the bone tool production activities of ancient humans. Fourthly, trampling experiments have verified that the fragmentation of bones caused by human and animal trampling is negligible and does not give rise to a large quantity of incomplete bones.

Consequently, this study implies that the formation of a large number of incomplete bones at the Wulanmulun site is intimately tied to ancient human activities such as marrow extraction, bone tool manufacturing, and bone burning. The Wulanmulun site comprehensively mirrors the cognitive level and utilization of animal bone resources by ancient humans, who not only harnessed meat resources but also exploited bone resources for marrow consumption, bone tool production, and fuel, exhibiting an efficient resource utilization strategy.

Key words: Wulanmulun site, Incomplete bones, Formation causes, Experimental archaeology

CLC Number:

Q983.3

TANG Yimeng, LIU Yang, HOU Yamei. An experimental archaeological study of the formation causes of incomplete bones from the Wulanmulun site[J]. Acta Anthropologica Sinica, 2025, 44(01): 42-54.

Figures/Tables 9

References 36

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长度Length	L<2cm	2≤L<3cm	3≤L<4cm	4≤L<5cm	5≤L<6cm	6≤L<8cm	8≤L<10cm	L≥10cm
数量Number(n)	52785	1987	1001	657	459	463	232	274
比例Percentage	91.2%	3.4%	1.7%	1.1%	0.8%	0.8%	0.5%	0.5%

长度Length	L<2cm	2≤L<3cm	3≤L<4cm	4≤L<5cm	5≤L<6cm	6≤L<8cm	8≤L<10cm	L≥10cm
数量Number(n)	52785	1987	1001	657	459	463	232	274
比例Percentage	91.2%	3.4%	1.7%	1.1%	0.8%	0.8%	0.5%	0.5%

组别group↓ 长度length→		L<2 cm	2≤L<5 cm	5≤L<10 cm	L≥10 cm
敲骨吸髓Marrow extraction （A组）	数量Number, n	348	35	11	11
	百分比Percentage	85.9%	8.7%	2.7%	2.7%
	总质量Total mass, m(g)	29.4	100.7	937.3	609.8
	百分比Percentage	1.8%	6%	55.9%	36.3%
骨片获取Knapping for bone flakes （B组）	数量Number, n	2711	168	55	9
	百分比Percentage	92.1%	5.7%	1.9%	0.3%
	总质量Total mass, m(g)	95.9	465.9	1398.3	753.5
	百分比Percentage	3.5%	17.2%	51.5%	27.8%
考古标本Archaeological specimens	数量Number, n	52785	3645	1154	274
	百分比Percentage	91.2%	6.3%	2%	0.5%
	总质量Total mass, m(g)	3874	6385	9817	15934
	百分比Percentage	10.8%	17.7%	27.3%	44.2%

组别group↓ 长度length→		L<2 cm	2≤L<5 cm	5≤L<10 cm	L≥10 cm
敲骨吸髓Marrow extraction （A组）	数量Number, n	348	35	11	11
	百分比Percentage	85.9%	8.7%	2.7%	2.7%
	总质量Total mass, m(g)	29.4	100.7	937.3	609.8
	百分比Percentage	1.8%	6%	55.9%	36.3%
骨片获取Knapping for bone flakes （B组）	数量Number, n	2711	168	55	9
	百分比Percentage	92.1%	5.7%	1.9%	0.3%
	总质量Total mass, m(g)	95.9	465.9	1398.3	753.5
	百分比Percentage	3.5%	17.2%	51.5%	27.8%
考古标本Archaeological specimens	数量Number, n	52785	3645	1154	274
	百分比Percentage	91.2%	6.3%	2%	0.5%
	总质量Total mass, m(g)	3874	6385	9817	15934
	百分比Percentage	10.8%	17.7%	27.3%	44.2%