Spatial relationships, dating and taphonomy of the human bone from the Mesolithic site of Cnoc Coig, Oronsay, Argyll, Scotland

Mieklejohn, C.; Merrett, D.C.; Nolan, R.; Richards, M.P.; Mellars, P.A.

Abstract

This paper examines the spatial distribution of the human bone sample excavated from the Mesolithic shell midden site of Cnoc Coig on Oronsay in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. Although no burials were recovered the information from the apparently isolated bone finds has been significant. Two types of bone group are distinguished, one that resembles the widely reported ‘loose bone’ phenomenon that is widely recognised from European Mesolithic sites. The other, represented by two bone groups at Cnoc Coig, is, at this time, restricted to western Scotland. It is dominated by hand and foot bones and appears to represent purposive behaviour. We concentrate our discussion on the latter phenomenon and place it within discussion of the nature of the later Mesolithic in western Scotland.

Citation

Mieklejohn, C., Merrett, D., Nolan, R., Richards, M., & Mellars, P. (2005). Spatial relationships, dating and taphonomy of the human bone from the Mesolithic site of Cnoc Coig, Oronsay, Argyll, Scotland. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 71, 85-105

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Jul 14, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 13, 2010
• Journal: Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society for ...
• Print ISSN: 0079-497X
• Electronic ISSN: 2050-2729
• Publisher: Prehistoric Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 71
• Pages: 85-105
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1598026
• Publisher URL: http://www.prehistoricsociety.org/