Sample name: Charnel House Cave (MIS 5)

Reference: P. Roberts, E. Delson, P. Miracle, P. Ditchfield, R. G. Roberts, Z. Jacobs, J. Blinkhorn, R. L. Ciochon, J. G. Fleagle, S. R. Frost, C. C. Gilbert, G. F. Gunnell, T. Harrison, R. Korisettar, and M. D. Petraglia. 2014. Continuity of mammalian fauna over the last 200 000 y in the Indian subcontinent. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 111(16):5848-5853 [ER 3741]

Lithology: siliciclastic (mixed)

Taphonomic context: cave

Habitat comments: "The cave complex consists of an interconnected series of large karst chambers within Paleozoic carbonate host rock. The sedimentary sequence within the cave complex is dominated by silt-grade siliciclastic deposits. These deposits are punctuated by occasional layers of coarse breccia related to minor periodic roof collapse".
"The majority of the sedimentary input to the cave complex has been via surface runoff into a well-developed network of sinkholes. There is no evidence of significant fluvial input or reworking of the sediments. No artefacts, evidence of hearths, or cultural accumulations of objects was encountered in the most recent excavations of the site".

Life forms: carnivores,primates,rodents,ungulates,other small mammals

Sampling methods: quarry,screenwash

Sample size: 24 specimens

Years: 2003 - 2008

Sampling comments: "Faunal samples were excavated and collected by hand whenever possible. Approximately 15 m3 was excavated in Charnel House. Samples were grouped on the basis of sediments excavated by a combination of natural layers and 10-cm spits within these layers. All sediments were dry sieved using 1- or 0.5-mm mesh to retrieve smaller elements".

Sample number: 3977

Contributor: Benjamin Carter

Enterer: Benjamin Carter

Created: 2022-08-22 12:30:39

Modified: 2023-05-01 01:14:43