Cross-sectional geometry and taphonomic surface alteration: An exploratory approach to data reliability
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1Cross-sectional geometry is a useful tool for assessing robustness and mechanical constraints related to locomotion or specific activities. It is frequently applied to archaeological collections, which, however, may exhibit taphonomic surface alterations. In this study, we aimed to determine to what extent such altered bones remain suitable for this type of analysis. To do so, we CT-scanned 19 humeri to create three groups: a reference group, a group with material removed (simulating root etching), and a group with material added (simulating different thicknesses of concretions). The alterations were generated directly on the 3D models derived from the scans, either using a 3D sculpting tool or by creating fractal perturbations with the software pymeshlab. The reference collection comes from the medieval funerary site of La Granède (Millau, Aveyron), chosen for the excellent preservation of its skeletal remains. We then measured 16 cross-sectional geometric parameters on each group and systematically compared the results to the reference values in order to quantify the differences produced. Analyses show that the "roots" group yielded results broadly consistent with the reference group, although variability was slightly higher. In contrast, the "concretions" group differed markedly, displaying much greater variability and values that deviated significantly from the reference. These findings indicate that, in cases of minor material loss comparable to root action, cross-sectional geometry data remain usable. However, material addition resembling concretions strongly compromises the reliability of the analyses. Our conclusions therefore highlight the need for caution when using surface-altered archaeological collections and call into question the relevance of including them in cross-sectional geometry studies.
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Zoé Corselle, Samuel Bédécarrats, Nicolas Vanderesse, Stéphane Rottier, Frédéric Santos et Guillaume Leduc, « Cross-sectional geometry and taphonomic surface alteration: An exploratory approach to data reliability », Bulletins et mémoires de la Société d’Anthropologie de Paris [En ligne], 38(S) | 2026, mis en ligne le 16 décembre 2025, consulté le 08 mars 2026. URL : http://journals.openedition.org/bmsap/16897 ; DOI : https://doi.org/10.4000/15hhn
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