Determining the Season of Death of Mammal Teeth from Archeological Sites: A New Sectioning Technique

Abstract

Alternating translucent and opaque bands on the roots of mammal teeth are used to determine the age and season of death. These structures are preserved in teeth from archeological sites. However, the standard sectioning technique, which includes decalcification, often destroys archeological specimens. A new, less destructive technique provides analyzable solid sections at costs comparable to decalcification.