Part 3. Analyzing a Burial (10 points) This is a drawing of a well-preserved tom

Question

Part 3. Analyzing a Burial (10 points) This is a drawing of a well-preserved tomb dated to 12,000 years ago. When archaeologists discover a burial such as this, in the absence of written records, we have to interpret who the person was based on both what is found and what we know about the society in which they lived. tortoise shell forearm wild boar eagle wing bone complete articulated human foot marten skulls fragment basalt bowl wild cow tail In the space below, describe TWO alternative interpretations of this burial. Specify what additional information vou would need to decide which of these alternative was more likely

Explanation / Answer

The 2 hypothetical alternatives regarding the burial are-

1) On of the most prominent features which tells us about the region of the formation of the burial is the presence of the marten skull. Marten is a semi arboreal animals which is adapted to coniferous regions. Hence it can be said that the burial took place under such a condition that the place was near the coiferous regions. Also the presence of eagle wing bone tells us that the region was at a high elevation.

2) The other alternative, yet very much contrasting feature can be associated with the presence of the tortoise shell which can be present in a region very close to fresh water reservoir. Also the presence of the Basalt bowl shows us that the burial took place after the eruption of the basalt bowl. Therefore this point proves that the burial took place in a region which is very much related to a river island.

These hypothetical theories has to be supported with a lot of other data like the radiometric data of the bone of the articulated foot that is found in order to establish the species of the body. Also oxygen isotopic ratio could tell us the temperature conditions during the formation of the burial. Also the other organic remains has to be thoroughly examined in order to establish the actual environement of burial.

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