Bone, antler, tooth and horn technology and utilisation in prehistoric Scotland

Foxon, Andrew David (1991) Bone, antler, tooth and horn technology and utilisation in prehistoric Scotland. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This study is concerned with the technology and utilisation of skeletal hard tissue in prehistoric Scotland. The natural properties of skeletal tissues were considered, their reaction to particular methods of manufacture and utilisation were studied and a detailed examination made of material from a number of archaeological sites. Whilst the conclusions reached are site-specific, their usefulness as general statements on technology and utilisation are explored. There are two volumes - volume I containing the main text and volume II the catalogues and illustrations.

Volume I begins with an introduction (Chapter 1). There then follow two sections. Section I starts by examining the approaches which were taken, identifies parallel studies, the range of techniques which were used in the study and the nature of the generalisations presented here (Chapter 2). The structure and properties of skeletal materials, and the determinant effect which these have on the techniques of manufacture, are discussed in Chapters 3 & 4.

Section II comprises four case studies of large assemblages from settlement sites which date from the Mesolithic Period to the Iron Age - the site of Risga, Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan (Mesolithic, Chapter 5); Skara Brae, Orkney (Neolithic, Chapter 6); Midhowe in Rousay, Orkney and Cnoc Sligeach at Sollas, North Uist (both Iron Age, Chapters 7 & 8). In each study the site and its excavation are discussed. All the objects from the sites were examined afresh and those from animals sources analysed in terms of skeletal origin, techniques of manufacture, object classification and distribution on site. Volume I concludes with Chapter 9 in which the results are summarised and the general applicability of the results is discussed.

Volume II contains simplified object catalogues for each site which are intended as a concordance to enable the individual objects studied to be identified by others. Illustrations are given of representative objects within the categories. For ease of reference volume II also contains the bibliography and all the other illustrations for the study.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
• Supervisor's Name: Slater, Dr. Elizabeth
• Date of Award: 1991
• Depositing User: Mrs Marie Cairney
• Unique ID: glathesis:1991-1157
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 15 Sep 2009
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 13:34
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/1157