| Abstract |
Keratin is scarcely found in the archaeological record and is typically only preserved if conditions are conducive to the preservation of other organic materials. However, the rate of decomposition of keratinous materials, such as horn sheaths and hooves, is unknown. This study measures the rates of keratin decay and scavenging by animals of bison hooves over a two-year period in two environments: one at low elevation with warm temperatures and high humidity levels and the other at high elevation with generally cooler temperatures and low humidity levels. We find that keratin decays at a faster rate in humid environments, and a keratinous ecofact such as a hoof should be expected to decay, if exposed to the elements, within 5 years in warm, humid, low elevation environments. In cool, low humidity high elevation environments, we find that keratinous ecofacts should be expected to decay within 20 years. These decomposition rates allow us to put constraints on conditions of keratin preservation in the archaeological record. |
, Sarah A. Allaun 
, Jessi Halligan 
