Estudio tafonómico del registro osteoarqueológico procedente de la finca Las Cabezas, Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife

Abstract

Taphonomy comprises the conceptual and methodological framework through which we can research multiple processes determining content and condition of the bone assemblages in archaeological sites. The bones modifications occur during the different successive stages of the taphonomic process: pre-depositional, depositional, post-depositional and subsequent recovery of remains. Within these stages, there are a variety of agents and natural processes that can modify osteoarchaeological assemblages, leaving traces of their action through different types of bone changes which could increase or decrease the potential for bone preservation. This study analyses the taphonomic processes observed in a decontextualized sample of human skeletal remains from several burial caves on the site Las Cabezas, Icod, Tenerife. Therefore, it is our objective to identify them contributing the knowledge of variable behaviours and ritual gestures.