Squamate bone taphonomy: A new experimental framework and its application to the Natufian zooarchaeological record

A new experimental framework reveals that squamate (lizard and snake) remains from the Natufian archaeological sites at Mount Carmel, Israel, show distinct taphonomic signatures differing from modern analogues. The study, which analyzed bone modifications caused by digestion, trampling, erosion, and breakage, suggests that these bones were likely subjected to complex depositional processes. This insight challenges assumptions about the role of squamates in Natufian diets, indicating that while human consumption cannot be ruled out for certain species like the European glass lizard and large whip snake, their presence may also reflect non-cultural factors such as trampling or erosion. The research combines experimental taphonomy with intra-site analysis to unravel the depositional history of el-Wad Terrace, providing a novel approach to interpreting zooarchaeological records from this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lev, M., Weinstein-Evron, M., & Yeshurun, R. (2020). Squamate bone taphonomy: A new experimental framework and its application to the Natufian zooarchaeological record. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66301-5