An experimental investigation of cutmark analysis of sharp force trauma in the Bronze Age

Many studies of Bronze Age weaponry have focused on demonstrating the capability and effectiveness weapons in a combat context, with little or no observation osteological evidence for weapon use trauma. Downing Fibiger (2017) is only study to taken into consideration cutmark analysis trauma sustained by weapons. The results their demonstrated need further research distinguish between cutmarks swords dirks, as two produced similar macroscopic morphologies. aim current re-evaluate microscopic morphologies Late sword dirk identify characteristics wound patterns from these A total 13 strikes were performed against Synbone® cylinders three Sus scrofa forelimbs. analysed macroscopically, microscopically metrically observe distinguishing discern Results showed exhibited Both characteristic both knife classes that standards identification class are not appropriate weaponry. Further should provide more suited classification system diagnosing specifically dirk.