Virtual skeletons and digital muscles: an experimental bioarchaeological approach to the pre-Hispanic production of millstones (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

Highlights: The combination of biomechanical analysis and open-access Kinovea software enables the study musculoskeletal articular wear experimentally reproduced tasks. repeated use right arm during indirect percussion abrasion in lithic production could increase changes bone robusticity specific muscle attachments observed osteoarchaeological record. Motion ranges postural angles can generate more accurate representations "virtual humans" their archaeological context. Abstract: Understanding physical impact ancient labours has become an important experimental bioarchaeology area. Complex motion capture systems digital tools have been used reproduction manual However, these are costly, so researchers explored alternative solutions. Therefore, was checked to confirm its reliability characterizing loads associated with particular works times. In this case study, authors analyzed central chains involved indigenous manufacturing process rotary stone mills, high mountains Tenerife. included a virtual carried out different phases process; it defined from record quarries-workshops Las Cañadas del Teide National Park (Canary Islands, Spain) volcanic millstones. results demonstrated software's effectiveness virtually analyze significant differences posture between work techniques, observing predominance m. biceps brachii, brachioradialis, elbow joint manufacture mills. On other hand, also excellent potential archaeology, giving users average angles. As result, building skeletons" precise postures possible. This may serve as base element create complete body environments.