Taphonomic patterns : can the effects of brush fire mimic the natural decomposition of heavy muscle markers on the surface of bone?

Abstract

The goals of this study included: (1) examining if brush fires were capable of creating unique burn pattern signatures at specific stages of decomposition and (2) determining if mimicry of colour and taphonomic processes was possible between burned and naturally decomposed human remains. Pigs were burned at specific stages of decomposition with the use of a Tiger Torch and skeletal surface colour was measured with the use of a CR-11 digital colour reader. Results revealed: (1) there were no burn pattern signatures to describe heat related skeletal trauma for specific stages of decomposition and (2) mimicry of colour is possible between burned and unburned remains; however, it is unlikely to confuse the taphonomic mechanisms responsible for creating these surface patterns. This study will help investigators deduce the taphonomic patterns found on the surface of skeletal remains in order to determine information about a decedent's post mortem interval.