Optical profilometry in forensic taphonomy: studying cannibalism and interpersonal violence in archaeological contexts

MEASUREMENTS

Cultural cannibalism at Maszycka Cave (Poland)
The Maszycka Cave assemblage, dated to approximately 18,000 years ago and attributed to Magdalenian hunter‑gatherers, contains numerous human skeletal remains that show evidence of anthropogenic modification. The study focused on identifying whether bone surface marks corresponded to butchery activities associated with cannibalism.

Using the Sensofar S neox optical profilometer, high‑resolution scans of bone surface modifications were obtained (Figure 1 a, b). Cross‑sections of the cut marks were extracted and analyzed morphometrically, measuring parameters such as incision width, depth, wall length, and cross‑sectional angles (Figure 1 c, d).

These quantitative data were compared with experimental marks produced by stone tools, carnivore tooth marks, and trampling marks. Multivariate statistical analyses demonstrated that the archaeological marks closely matched experimentally produced cut marks, confirming their anthropogenic origin (Figure 2). The results showed that the human remains were intensively processed shortly after death for the extraction of meat, brain tissue, and marrow, providing strong evidence for cannibalistic practices among Magdalenian groups.

Interpersonal violence at Roc de les Orenetes (Pyrenees, Spain)
Another research application involves the analysis of perimortem trauma in the collective burial site of Roc de les Orenetes, located in the Eastern Pyrenees at an altitude of 1840 meters. The assemblage contains thousands of disarticulated human bones representing at least 51 individuals, dating to the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age. The study aimed to determine whether observed bone lesions resulted from interpersonal violence rather than funerary manipulation or post-depositional processes. Bone trauma was analyzed using stereomicroscopy, digital microscopy, and the Sensofar S neox Confocal optical profilometer.

Three-dimensional surface analysis enabled detailed characterization of sharp-force trauma, including chop and slice marks produced by bladed weapons or projectiles. The optical profilometer enabled precise visualization of incision geometry and penetration depth, supporting the identification of weapon-related injuries and differentiating them from other types of bone modification (Figure 3).

The results revealed numerous perimortem injuries concentrated on ribs and upper limbs, suggesting episodes of interpersonal violence involving bladed weapons and projectile points. The combination of taphonomic analysis and high-resolution surface imaging allowed a detailed reconstruction of the violent events affecting this prehistoric population.

Technological contribution of Sensofar optical profilometry
The use of Sensofar optical profilometry has significantly advanced the study of bone surface modifications in archaeological and forensic contexts.

The technology provides:

• Non‑destructive high‑resolution 3D surface measurements.
• Accurate reconstruction of cut‑mark cross‑sections.
• Quantitative morphometric data for statistical analysis.
• Improved discrimination between anthropogenic and natural modifications.
• Detailed visualization of trauma produced by different types of tools or weapons.

By integrating optical profilometry into forensic taphonomy workflows, researchers can achieve a more robust and objective interpretation of bone surface modifications.