Bones as Tools and Tool Use on Bones: A Focus on Anthropogenic Taphonomy at the Early Medieval (Late Antique) Site of the Vedi Fortress in the South Caucasus, Ararat, Armenia

Abstract

<p>The archaeo-faunal remains recovered from the Early Medieval (Late Antique; 432-646 CE) layers at the Vedi Fortress, Armenia, offer a unique opportunity to investigate human–animal relationships through the study of anthropogenic taphonomy, in the form of butchery and bone tools. This scientific approach is relatively new in the South Caucasus and is crucial for interpreting archaeological fauna, reflecting the links between humans and animals. The current paper centers on the use-wear analyses of bones utilized as tools, as well as on the examination of cutting tools used on bones for slaughtering, through macro-observations supported by microscopic imaging techniques and published literature. Out of a total of 3,399 bones, 130 specimens were analyzed from three trenches at the Vedi Fortress: the Top Trench (N.38.478130.4419430), the East-Shelf Trench (N.38.478230.4419460) and the Citadel-East Trench (N.38.478200.4419510). Species diversity reveals the presence of the following animals in descending order of their specimen density: sheep, goat, cattle, pig, carnivores, bird, and trace finds of catfish/common carp, cervids, wild goat, and equids. Results suggest that signatures of butchery (n=121) are present as cut (n=53), chop (n=26), shear (n=41), and scraping (n=6) marks, indicating systematic carcass disarticulation and meat processing strategies. Mutton emerges as the preferred meat consumed by the Early Medieval people, followed by beef and, rarely, pork. Additionally, worked bone fragments (n=9) demonstrate the role of bone in a local raw material economy, reflecting technological choices and craft production. The diverse bone artifacts encompass smooth rounded-edge scrappers on diaphysis of long bones and ramus of pelvis; retouched pointed flakes on diaphysis; tappers of cancellous bone and diggers made on phalanges. Overall, this study emphasizes the interpretive value of a critical analytical lens for understanding the association between human behavior and material transformation in archaeological contexts.</p>