An assessment of bone tool cleaning procedures in preparation for traceological analysis

Abstract

The preparation of samples for traceological analysis is a key methodological aspect in the correct interpretation of use-wear; however, it is often poorly reflected in the archaeological literature. The treatment of osseous tissues is particularly overlooked, and receives even less attention than lithic raw materials. The presence of residues and contaminants on the surface of artefacts can conceal or even be mistaken for use-wear features, thereby affecting their interpretation. Therefore, the objective of this work is to contribute to the systematization of cleaning protocols and the preparation of experimental bone tools for traceological analysis. Through a sequential experiment, we tested the effects of different cleaning agents on experimental samples. Microscopic observation of the samples was complemented with microhardness testing. Our results made it possible to evaluate the cleaning effectiveness of the tested products, to determine how each product affects the bone surface at a microscopic level, and to assess the effects of these products on the treated bone tools in terms of cutting performance.