MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

MCI 6201 Distinguishing Reindeer Antler from Bone Using Raman Spectroscopy
MCI Staff: Judy Watson
This project was designed to determine whether it is possible to distinguish between
modern antler and bone using FT-Raman spectroscopy. The ultimate goal of this project was to
develop this method to provide a non-destructive way to confidently discriminate between antler
and bone in archaeological objects. This technique would have applications within the
Smithsonian’s collections as well as anywhere this very common material is curated or
conserved.
Distinguishing between reindeer antler and bone can often be challenging as they are
essentially the same material, with antler being morphologically similar to rapidly formed bone.
Determination can be aided by observation of function, macrostructure, texture, color, shape, and
size of an object. Adding to the challenge is the fact that archaeological objects have often been
modified, either in the manufacture of the object, or in the burial environment, or both. Accurate
determination is important to archaeologists, anthropologists, ethnographers, and others because
it provides information about a wide range of areas including resource management, material
preferences, economy, exchange and ritual behavior.
Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique that has been demonstrated
to be of value in distinguishing between keratinaceous material from different species (as well as
identifying imitation materials). Recent research has shown that it is possible to distinguish
between human finger- and toe-nails using Raman spectroscopy, most probably as a result of the
fact that fingernails grow more quickly. If collagens behave similarly (i.e. if the more rapid
formation of antler as compared to bone results in a difference that is reflected in Raman
spectra), this would offer archaeologists a non-destructive method of accurately classifying this
important material regardless of the size or nature of the artifact. The results of a study testing
the applicability of this approach on collagens, using vouchered samples of modern reindeer
(Rangifer tarandus tarandus) antler and bone were presented.
Human figurine carved in reindeer antler or bone. From Advik, Finnmark, Northern Norway (2200-1800 BC).
Photo: A. Icagic, Tromsø University Museum.
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