Journal of Anthropology Reports

Cardle PM

Publications

• Research Article
  Determining the Experience of a Swordsman and Sharpening Methods Based on Bone Cut Marks: A Pilot Study
  Author(s): Cardle PMCardle PM
  
  The study sought to identify and compare characteristics of cut marks produced by an experienced swordsman wielding a traditionally made and polished katana (using a slicing action) with those produced by an inexperienced swordsman (using a hacking action) on three bone types (rib, flat, long) as well as to identify and compare striations in kerf walls produced by the different sharpening methods. Two different pig carcasses were struck (one carcass for each weapon type) and the resulting cut marks (experienced swordsman n=27; inexperienced n=32) were assessed and compared. The presence or absence of each of seven morphological characteristics were identified for each cut and recorded. A Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) analysis was undertaken on all kerf walls using Mikrosil negative casts. The morphological characteristics of striations were compared clinically and statistically .. View More»
  DOI: 10.35248/2684-1304.17.2.114

  Abstract PDF