Human Variation and Identification Research Unit, School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.
Forensic Anthropology Research Centre, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Bophelo Road, Prinshof 349-Jr, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa.
Int J Legal Med. 2024 Sep;138(5):2093-2105. doi: 10.1007/s00414-024-03235-x. Epub 2024 Apr 23.
Taphonomy studies the environmental effects on remains from the time of deposition to the time of recovery and has been integrated into the field of forensic anthropology. The changes to skeletal remains are dependent on the method of disposal and the surrounding environment. This study focused on buried remains where the type and chemical composition of the soil and the microorganisms present need to be considered. The aim was to investigate the type, frequency, and correlations of the taphonomic alterations of buried domestic pigs. Six taphonomic alterations were observed which included depositional staining, adipocere formation, bone weathering, acidic soil corrosion, and plant, and animal activity. Depositional staining, weathering and plant activity were the most common alterations followed by adipocere which was present on 92.3% of the remains. The bones were mostly stained dark brown and brown; however, the trunk region was the only region to present with black staining. The right sides were darker than the left due to the body positioning as most pigs were placed on their right sides and thus were in direct contact with the cadaver decomposition island. Additionally, the right sides presented with more adipocere as well as increased plant activity suggesting that the soil retained water. Darker stains were correlated with a more complete skeleton as adipocere provides some protection. The study confirms that there are various complicated relationships between different taphonomic alterations. A good understanding of them is needed in forensic anthropology to assist in reconstructing the events that occur after death.
埋藏学研究的是从遗骸沉积到发掘这段时间内环境对遗骸的影响，并已被纳入法医人类学领域。骨骼遗骸的变化取决于处理方法和周围环境。本研究侧重于埋葬遗骸，需要考虑土壤的类型和化学成分以及存在的微生物。目的是调查埋葬的家养猪的埋藏学变化的类型、频率和相关性。观察到六种埋藏学变化，包括沉积染色、尸蜡形成、骨风化、酸性土壤腐蚀以及植物和动物活动。沉积染色、风化和植物活动是最常见的变化，其次是尸蜡，在 92.3%的遗骸上都有尸蜡。骨头大多呈深棕色和棕色染色；然而，只有躯干区域呈现黑色染色。由于尸体定位，右侧比左侧颜色更深，因为大多数猪被放置在右侧，因此直接与尸体分解岛接触。此外，右侧的尸蜡更多，植物活动也增加，表明土壤保留了水分。颜色更深的染色与更完整的骨骼有关，因为尸蜡提供了一定的保护。该研究证实，不同埋藏学变化之间存在着各种复杂的关系。法医人类学需要很好地理解它们，以帮助重建死亡后的事件。
