Metodología y criterios de restauración de restos óseos pleistocenos. El tratamiento de los fósiles humanos de TD6 (Gran Dolina, Sierra de Atapuerca).

Identifier:  TDX:2249

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX2249

Authors:  López-Polín D'Olhaberriague, Lucía

Abstract:
This doctoral thesis aims to provide criteria for conservation-restoration interventions (or preparation) of Pleistocene bones, which may be studied from either archaeological or paleontological perspective. Within these two fields, there are several studies that can benefit to a greater or lesser extent depending on the type and level of treatment of the fossil (degree of cleaning, reconstruction, etc.). The work is based on the preparation of Homo antecessor fossils from TD6 unit of Gran Dolina (Atapuerca, Burgos). These fossils have common problems to many other sites, particularly other karstic sites: the sediment is frequently compact and strongly adhered to the bone surface. Consequently, part of the preparation work involves adheriing fragments and `finishing digging´ in the laboratory. Conservation is a discipline that has its own principles and methods. Treatments are based on knowledge of either the fossils and the products and techniques for conservation. Treatments are always designed after the diagnosis of alterations and considering the objectives before the intervention. This thesis proposes that the requirements of the different studies of fossils can serve as guidelines for setting objectives and degrees of intervention. There is much research to develop in order to increase the still insufficient corpus on conservation or preparation of bones, both on the techniques and also on specific criteria. This thesis it includes some publications aimed to start to cover this gap.