If we are to interpret archaeological assemblages with confidence, it is important to determine their state of preservation - where on the decay trajectory they can be placed. By so doing it may become apparent if the remains are well preserved, poorly preserved, a mixture of the two or some other state. It should be easy to recognise fish processing and other activities in well-preserved assemblages - that is, those at the beginnings of the decay trajectory.
It is important to stress that only one cod was used and it is possible that the patterns of breakage observed were atypical. Replicate experiments are necessary to determine how smaller and larger cod bones may react. It would be most unwise to extrapolate from this experiment to other species, even other members of the Gadidae.
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Last updated: Thu Dec 16 1999