The Preservation of Invertebrates in 16th-Century Cesspits at St Saviourgate, York

Authors: McCobb L.M.E.; Briggs D.E.G.; Hall A.R.; Kenward H.K.

Source: Archaeometry, Volume 46, Number 1, February 2004 , pp. 157-169(13)

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Abstract:

The taphonomy of invertebrates from 16th-century cesspits at St Saviourgate, York, was investigated. Earthworms, fly larvae and puparia are preserved through replication in calcium phosphate, a process facilitated by acidic cesspit pore water and by the presence of abundant organic matter, bones and shells. Features preserved by mineralization include muscles, blood vessels and setae. Non-mineralized invertebrate remains include puparia and beetles. Py–GC/MS (flash pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) revealed a very high level of preservation of structural biomolecules, with all the protein and chitin markers that are evident in the living forms still being detectable in the divalent remains.

Keywords: TAPHONOMY; CESSPITS; POST-MEDIEVAL; YORK; MINERALIZATION; INSECTS; WOODLICE; EARTHWORMS; PY–GC/MS; SEM

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4754.2004.00150.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Archaeology, University of York, The King's Manor, York YO1 7EP, UK

Publication date: 2004-02-01