Cannibalism in Britain: Taphonomy of the Creswellian (Pleistocene) faunal and human remains from Gough's Cave (Somerset, England)

Abstract

Summary of taphonomic modifications seen on the fossil bones from Gough’s Cave. Modifications are shown for each major postcran ial element,which are listed in column 1. The total number of specimens ( N ) for each element is in column 2, and in column 3 the distribution of modifications byhuman action is shown for four taxonomic categories: human ( h ), equid ( e ), cervid ( c ) and indeterminate large mammal ( m ). The same distribution isshown for six types of modifications in the remainder of the table as explained in the text. Skeletal elements Anatomical elements of humans and other large mammals (horsesand deer) recorded at the site suggest some differences betweenelement representation. In general terms, human skeletons are betterrepresented than are those of any of the other large mammals.Human skeletons show a relatively high abundance of cranial re-mains, ribs, scapulae, and arms (Table 1). In contrast, vertebrae arenotable for their near absence, despite the abundance of ribs thatwere found in association (although not articulation) at the site.There is also a peculiar absence of pelves, carpo-tarsal bones andphalanges which are relatively abundant among horses or deer.Similarly, cranial elements, especially mandibles, are also abundantfor both horses and deer, but while metapodials and phalanges areabundant, most limb bones are poorly represented. Horses have anextraordinarily high abundance of phalanges, which are not gener-ally common in human occupation sites. Skeletal element proportionsare summarized in Table 2.