Synchrotron radiation and laboratory micro X-ray computed tomography—useful tools for the material identification of prehistoric objects made of ivory, bone or antler

摘要: Archaeological bone, ivory and antler, as well objects manufactured from them, are largely studied to extract much information possible these materials. Among others, one key question in archaeology is the exact identification of material. Even if different kinds osseous material seems be trivial many cases, it can a difficult issue when small, heavily carved more or less altered ancient concerned. This study was focused on determination parameters allowing distinction archaeological ivory, bone antler order identify raw used for manufacture prehistoric objects. The high performance synchrotron radiation (SR) laboratory-based micro X-ray computed tomography (microCT), providing highly resolved three-dimensional micromorphology, permitted establishment such distinctive features modern references land mammal whale bones: shows characteristic tubular pores with diameter about 1 2 μm, show typical osteon structures. In our measured references, average larger elongated shaped osteons compared terrestrial bone. feature however depends very original localization sample within antler. Whale bones distinguished other materials by cancellous, osteoporotic-like structure irregularly distributed rounded porosities diameters reaching up 500 μm. These characteristics have also been tested determined Palaeolithic fragments, diagenetic changes during burial considered may lead modification established basis references. general, chemical composition change drastically over time while micromorphological features, evidenced microCT, seem susceptible alterations. addition, microCT enables comparison inner possibly parts objects, completely non-destructive small mineralised this study, specific morphological were determined, even dating back periods. Thus, we provide, addition archaeozoological, isotopic markers, new tool some fabrication ranging recent