Bone Summary

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Recoveries of bone in the 1988 excavation season in the east end of T-26 were most prevalent in two specific areas.  The majority of finds came from below the tile fall in F-H/89-94, in the burn layer.  All types of bone were recovered, with a preponderence of long bones, jaw fragments, knuckle bones, and joints.  Most of the material from this layer showed clear signs of being burnt.

The other major deposit was found in F-G/96-98.  While much smaller in extent than that of the tile fall, this bone deposit also included all types of bones, here with a majority of knuckle and other odd-shaped pieces.  This led to the hypothesis that the area may have been part of the ancient discard area for the bone and ivory working section of the Southeast Building ( see MRS II, p. 121 ).  These finds did not show as consistent signs of being burnt as those from the tile fall.

In addition to these two major deposits, bone was found throughout the east end of T-26.

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Some pieces thought to be worked were designated as finds and brought separately to the magazzino, but most pieces were simply bagged and put into storage for cleaning and study in 1989.