Are all the Bone Rods the Same? Hell Gap Specimen and More

Bibliographic Data

ID9218145
AuthorsMarcel Kornfeld (University of Wyoming, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume70
Issue273
Pages29-39
Publication date2025-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePlains Anthropologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0032-0447 • E-ISSN: 2052-546X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00320447.2025.2529120
OpenAlexW4413087045
LanguageEN
References cited14

A recent article has proposed a musical instrument function for a Paleoindian age osseous rod from the Hell Gap site in southeastern Wyoming. Paleoindian rods, specifically those dating to the early Paleoindian period are suggested to be spear foreshafts, projectile points, sled runners, as well as serving other functions. Although osseous materials vary in physical properties, some lending themselves better for certain uses, functional attribution of prehistoric objects remains ambiguous and must consider reworking in addition to “best suited” function of the osseous material. In this paper I extend the examination of the Hell Gap rod, specifically focusing attention on the possible osseous element and taxon of the specimen as well as morphological similarity to ethnographic objects

Archaeology · Art · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · History

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