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Preserved bone objects provide detailed evidence of craft techniques, styles, uses.
The Finds:
Waterlogged sites and urban excavations yield abundant bone artifacts—showing evolution of styles, technical sophistication, range of objects produced. The preservation allows detailed study—seeing tool marks, understanding construction sequences, appreciating skill involved.
The Waste:
Bone-working debris—broken pieces, carving waste, failed attempts—reveals production processes. The waste patterns show what was being made, how common breakage was, where workshops were located, providing insights into craft organization and economic significance.
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