It’s all in the detail: How histomorphometry can inform our understanding of identity and funerary rites in the past.

Cremated bone from archaeological contexts are typically subjected to macroscopic analyses, whereby the colour of bone, presence of heat-induced fractures, evidence of shrinkage, and warping are recorded alongside biological attributes of the deceased. Histomorphometry has been used since the first half of the twentieth century as a means of understanding the affects of burning on bone microstructure. However, over the past two decades researchers have increasingly identified the potential of histomorphometry in bioarchaeological studies. The aim of this paper is to explore how histomorphometry can provide an insight into the identities of the dead and funerary rites in the past. A case study from early Anglo-Saxon (5th – 7th century AD) England will demonstrate how histomorphometry, alongside macroscopic observations, can provide a wealth of information concerning social standing of the deceased, ideological beliefs, and cremation traditions. It is hoped that this paper will not only highlight the value of adopting this approach in the study of cremated remains but will encourage others to employ this technique in their research.