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Spatial relationships, dating and taphonomy of the human bone from the Mesolithic site of Cnoc Coig, Oronsay, Argyll, Scotland

Mieklejohn, C.; Merrett, D.C.; Nolan, R.; Richards, M.P.; Mellars, P.A.

Spatial relationships, dating and taphonomy of the human bone from the Mesolithic site of Cnoc Coig, Oronsay, Argyll, Scotland Thumbnail


Authors

C. Mieklejohn

D.C. Merrett

R. Nolan

M.P. Richards

P.A. Mellars



Abstract

This paper examines the spatial distribution of the human bone sample excavated from the Mesolithic shell midden site of Cnoc Coig on Oronsay in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. Although no burials were recovered the information from the apparently isolated bone finds has been significant. Two types of bone group are distinguished, one that resembles the widely reported ‘loose bone’ phenomenon that is widely recognised from European Mesolithic sites. The other, represented by two bone groups at Cnoc Coig, is, at this time, restricted to western Scotland. It is dominated by hand and foot bones and appears to represent purposive behaviour. We concentrate our discussion on the latter phenomenon and place it within discussion of the nature of the later Mesolithic in western Scotland.

Citation

Mieklejohn, C., Merrett, D., Nolan, R., Richards, M., & Mellars, P. (2005). Spatial relationships, dating and taphonomy of the human bone from the Mesolithic site of Cnoc Coig, Oronsay, Argyll, Scotland. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 71, 85-105

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2005
Deposit Date Jul 14, 2009
Publicly Available Date Sep 13, 2010
Journal Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society for ...
Print ISSN 0079-497X
Publisher Prehistoric Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 71
Pages 85-105
Publisher URL http://www.prehistoricsociety.org/

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