Determining prehistoric skin processing technologies : the macro and microscopic characteristics of experimental samples / Theresa Emmerich Kamper.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kamper, Theresa Emmerich, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Tanning.

Hides and skins.

Tools, Prehistoric.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (254 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Leiden : Sidestone Press, 2020.

Summary:

The importance of skin processing technologies in the history and expansion of humankind cannot be overstated, yet these technologies can be difficult to identify in the archaeological record. This research outlines the development of a systematic, non-destructive method for identifying the tanning technologies used to produce prehistoric skin artefacts. The approach combines extensive archaeological research and over 25 years of the author's personal tanning experience.The method employs observations of an extensive sample reference collection, both macroscopic and microscopic, to produce a database of defining characteristics for six tannage types, from a large geographic area and time frame. The primary collection contains 22 species identified as economically important from both Europe and North America. A secondary collection of clothing and utilitarian items, made from traditionally processed skins, was used to add 'in-life use' traces to the database. The method was tested against both archaeological items from a variety of preservation contexts, and ethnographic items from museum collections across North America and Europe. This analysis confirmed that defining characteristics do exist between the primary tannage technologies, and that at least some defining characteristics survived in all preservation contexts. These can be recorded at multiple levels of observation, and often provide insight into small sections of the artefact's production sequence and life history.This research shows definitively that processed skin items from vastly different preservation contexts can provide a wealth of information about prehistoric tannage technologies, as well as information on manufacturing sequences and the conditions of use an item experienced. The method is a valuable analytical tool for those involved in conservation, curation or analysis of

archaeological or ethnographic skin products. It provides a consolidated source of information for artisans working with traditional tanning, or re-enactors interested in the history or science of skin products. Finally, it serves as an example of the targeted use of experimental archaeology in a large-scale research project, and will be beneficial to anyone involved in experimental or experiential archaeology.

Contents:

Intro

Preface

List of Figures

Introduction

Aims and Methodology

Previous Methods

Defining the Parameters of the Research

Geographical Boundary

Chronological Boundary

The Focus of the Research

Inclusion of Ethnographic Items

Emerging Techniques: Future Research

Connecting Disciplines and Traditions in Archaeological Skin Processing Research

1.1 Introduction to Current Analysis Techniques for Processed Skin

1.2 Identification of Species

1.3 Identification of Tannage Technologies: Current Methods

1.4 Identification of Tannage Technologies: Advancing Current Capabilities

1.5 Terminology Concerns and Clarification

1.6 Conclusion

Investigating Early Tanning Technologies

2.1 Introduction to Methodology and Skin Morphology

2.2 Developed Method of Systematic Analysis of Skin Artefacts

2.3 Overview of Chosen Tanning Technologies

2.4 Layers of Object Biography

Sewing and Cordage

Wear and Tear

Archaeological, Experimental Interment and Preservation Issues

Post Excavation Treatments

2.5 Conclusion

Rationale for Faunal Selection

3.1 Introduction to Faunal Selection Chapter

Key Species of Economic Importance

Evaluation and Support of Selected Species

From Hunting to Herding

3.2 Introduction to European Species Selection

Key Species Use Through Time and General Trends

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Copper Age

Bronze Age - Early Iron Age

Continental and Regional Significance

Overview of the Archaeological Evidence

Faunal Presence in Archaeological Sites

Processed Skin Finds

Genetic Research

Rock Art and Associated Artefacts

Evidence for Choosing Variety

Size

Hair/Coat type

Genetics

Breed Rosters

Conclusion

3.3 European Faunal Selection

Wild Species.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

Domestic Species

Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)

Sheep (Ovis aries)

Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus)

Cattle (Bos taurus)

Horse (Equus caballus)

3.4 Introduction to North American Species Selection

Key Species Use Through Time and General Temporal Trends

Early Holocene

Middle Holocene

Late Holocene

Geographic Trends in Faunal Use: Regional vs Continental Significance

Overview of Archaeological Evidence

Faunal Presence in Sites

Processed Skin Finds and Ethnographic Evidence of Use

3.5 Selected North American Species

Mule and White Tail Deer (Odocoileus hemionus &amp

virginianus)

Bison (Bison bison)

Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra americana)

Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)

Elk (Cervus canadensis)

3.6 Introduction to Transcontinental Species Selection

3.7 Selected Transcontinental Species

Reindeer/Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)

Moose (Alces alces)

3.8 Furbearer Species Selection

Utilisation of Furbearers Through Time: Archaeological Evidence

Chosen Species

Leporids

Beaver (Castor sp.)

Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Bear (Ursus sp.)

3.9 Average Skin Size of Selected Species

Methodology for Chosen Tanning Technologies

4.1 Introduction to Methodology and Skin Morphology

4.2 Reductive Treatments

De-fleshing

De-hairing and de-graining

4.3 Fat and Smoke Tannages

Wet Scrape Method

Dry Scrape Method

Smoking or Smoke Tanning

4.4 Vegetable Tannage (Bark Tannage)

4.5 Alum Tawing

4.6 Urine Tannage

4.7 Rawhide Method

4.8 Discussion

4.9 Conclusion

Analysis of Experimental Reference Sample Collection

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Macroscopic Analysis

Colour

Surface Texture.

Membrane Remnants and Fibre Rolls

Light Translucency

Stretch

Pliability

Ultraviolet Light Reactivity

Macroscopic Criteria Identification Photographs

Ordinal Scale for Evaluation of Pliability

Light Translucence and UV Reactivity Tables

Macroscopic Analysis Criteria Tables

5.3 Microscopic Analysis of Surface Features

Background information for each sample species

Observations of Surface Features

Flesh side

Grain Side

Thickness

Fibre Size

Fibre Separation

Fibre weave

Microscopic Criteria Identification Photographs

Microscopic Analysis Criteria Tables

5.4 Low-Power Microscopic Cross Section Analysis

Fullness

Splitting Up

Appearance of the Fibre Network

Angle of Weave

Cross Section Characteristic Identification Photographs

Compactness

Cross Section Analysis Data Tables

Individual Fibre Analysis Photographs

5.5 Individual Fibre Analysis

Outline

Surface Texture

Lustre

Individual Fibre Analysis

5.6 Conclusion

Sample Collection Analysis by Tannage Type. Interpretation of Results

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Macroscopic Characteristics

Handle

Miscellaneous

6.3 Light Translucence and Ultraviolet Light Reactivity

Light Translucence

Ultraviolet Light Reactivity: Surfaces

Ultraviolet Light Reactivity: Freshly Cut Edge

6.4 Microscopic Characteristics

Fibre Definition

Fibre Weave

6.5 Cross Sections

Fibre Fullness

Splitting-Up

6.6 Individual Fibre Analysis by Tannage Type

Fibre Outline

Translucence

Splitting up.

Identification of In-Life Use Traces. Analysis of Modern Reference Collection of Traditionally Tanned Clothing

7.1 Introduction to In-Life Use Traces

7.2 Manufacturing Sequence

7.3 Edge Morphology

7.4 Hole Appearance

7.5 Tooling

7.6 Wear

7.7 Conclusion

Tying it All Together: Summaries of Discriminating Traits by Tannage Type and Preservation Context

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Summaries of Defining Characteristics and Tendencies by Tannage Type

Rawhide

Fat Tannages

Dry Scrape Brain Tan

Wet Scrape Brain Tan

Urine Tan

Vegetable Tan (Bark Tan)

Alum Taw

8.3 Preservation Environment and Exposure: What Survives?

8.4 Conservation: Impacts on Defining Characteristics

8.5 Assessment of Preservation Contexts Based on Analysis of Museum Collections

8.5a Introduction to Preservation Contexts

8.6 Preservation Contexts

Assessment of General Burial Contexts

Assessment of Dry Preservation Contexts

Assessment of Wet Preservation Contexts

Assessment of Frozen Preservation Contexts

Assessment of Ethnographically Collected Items

8.7 Summary of the Preservation of Discriminating Traits

8.8 Conclusion

8.9 List of All Museum Artefacts Analysed

Case Study of Ethnographically Collected Container

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Artefact Analysis for MSC Catalogue Number E37631‑0 (Processed Skin Container)

Discussion and Conclusion

10.1 Completion of Original Aims and Objectives

10.2 Future Directions for Research

10.3 Critical Reflection

10.4 Concluding Statements

Appendix 1: Blank recording form for discriminating traits

Glossary of Terms Used in Text

Bibliography

Blank Page

Blank Page.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

90-8890-838-9

OCLC:

1194498152