journal article·2023-03-21Open access

Geometric Morphometrics and Machine Learning Models Applied to the Study of Late Iron Age Cut Marks from Central Spain

Miguel Ángel Maté-González, Verónica Estaca-Gómez, Julia Aramendi, Cristina Sáez Blázquez, Jesús Rodríguez-Hernández, José Yravedra Sainz de los Terreros, Gonzalo Ruiz-Zapatero, Jesús R. Álvarez-Sanchís

Applied Sciences· Volume 13· Issue 6

Abstract

Recently the incorporation of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of valuable methodological advances in taphonomy. Some studies have achieved great precision in identifying the carnivore that produced tooth marks. Additionally, other works focused on human activity have managed to specify what type of tool or raw material was used in the filleting processes identified at the sites. Through the use of geometric morphometrics and machine learning techniques, the present study intends to analyze the cut marks of the Ulaca oppidum (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain) in order to identify the type of tools used during carcass modification. Although the Ulaca oppidum is an Iron Age site, the results suggest that most of the cut marks were produced with flint tools.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Image Processing and 3D Reconstruction

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila, Universidad de Salamanca, C/Hornos Caleros, 50, 05003 Ávila, Spain

Department of Prehistory, Ancient History and Archaeology, Complutense University of Madrid, Prof. Aranguren s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Research Group: Arqueología Prehistórica, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Department of Geology, Universidad del País Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain

Department of Human Sciences, University of La Rioja, C/Luis de Ulloa, 2, 26004 Logroño, Spain

C.A.I. Archaeometry and Archaeological Analysis, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Research Group: Ecosistemas Cuaternarios, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Funding

Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea · Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación · Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología · MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 · European Union “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR

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