MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

MCI 6239 Fossil Bone from Olorgesailie, Kenya
MCI Staff: Judy Watson, Nicole C. Little, Mel J. Wachowiak
A fossil bone (possibly modified by hominines) from Olorgesailie was presented for
analysis in order to determine whether a layer of sediment partially encasing it was pigment. The
bone sample was examined intact by SEM-EDS, and small samples were taken from several
areas for analysis by XRD. Results of the XRD were inconclusive. SEM-EDS confirmed the
presence of manganese both on the bone surface and in a discrete layer on top of the sediment
crust on part of the bone. The presence of material which may be used as pigment does not
address the issue of intent.
Scanning electron micrograph and EDS elemental map (at 500x) of the object’s surface, showing both bone surface
(green) and manganese-containing material on the surface (which also contains iron).
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