Counting sheep without falling asleep: using GIS to calculate the minimum number of skeletal elements (MNE) and other archaeozoological measures at Schöningen 13II-4 “Spear Horizon”

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a GIS-based methodology for estimating the minimum number of skeletal elements (MNE) and other archaeozoological measures, such as cut mark distribution and density. As a case study, we present a preliminary application to the Middle Pleistocene site of Schöningen 13II-4, the so-called “Spear Horizon”, where a large and exceptionally preserved faunal assemblage imposes difficulties for quantifying skeletal element abundances. We base our methodology on a series of digital templates introduced in a GIS, where each identifiable bone specimen is drawn and the number of overlapping bone fragments is calculated. This methodology yields a direct and accurate calculation of MNE and provides a foundation for assessing other critical archaeozoological measures. Analysis and interpretation of these measures is essential for understanding Palaeolithic subsistence strategies and hominin behaviour.