The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsA very cool word: taphonomic
I came across this word in a recent paper in PNAS on the subject of a famous Neanderthal burial site at La Chapelle aux Saints that I just couldn't help opening while browsing the journal.
PNAS, Vol.111, Iss.1, pp. 81-86 (2014). Evidence supporting an intentional Neandertal burial at La Chapelle-aux-Saints
Here's the context:
In light of this evidence, reassessment of the burial question is needed to better characterize the Neandertal cultural package. Here, we report on archaeological evidence from the La Chapelle-aux-Saints burial, derived from taphonomic analysis of the LCS1 skeleton, as well as the study of the geological context of the deposit. These data provide insights relevant to the archaeological context of the Paleolithic human occupations at La Chapelle-aux-Saints, and they support previous claims for the existence of intentional burial. By so doing, they buttress claims for complex symbolic behavior among Western European Neandertals.
Taphonomy is the study of decaying organisms over time and the process of fossilization over time, if it occurs.
It's a cool word, I think. I recommend that the next time that you have people over for wine and cheese or whatever, you use this word in a conversation.
I don't know why, but I just had to tell you about this word.
antiquie
(4,299 posts)Made me read this:
A Brief Introduction to TAPHONOMY
Now, to work it into conversation...
Wounded Bear
(58,437 posts)discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,470 posts)...this would apply nicely to certain elected officials in hyperbole.
antiquie
(4,299 posts)discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,470 posts)It is so kind, of you to opine, so I, in kind, reflect and comment on your good taste and perspicuity.
I have been cited in two books for some photos I took related to this subject (and one photo published). Another related word is diagenisis.
Another cool word used in archaeology is bioturbation. I love that one.
ok I know, I am weird.
antiquie
(4,299 posts)Both diagenisis and bioturbation brought up very interesting results. If I come back as a human , I will major in archaeology or at least, geology.
Kali
(54,990 posts)dead bull
antiquie
(4,299 posts)I think I need to read more.
NNadir
(33,368 posts)I might ask my wife if she'd like to bioturbate with me when my boys aren't home.
Kali
(54,990 posts)(not positive, though)
NNadir
(33,368 posts)Bioturbate, maybe, but not bioturb.
Vashta Nerada
(3,922 posts)Other students, especially last year, studied the taphonomy of Bison antiquus bones from 12,000 years ago.