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Remains To Be SeenRemains To Be Seen

Preservation of Human Remains

In Peat Bogs

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And Our Point Is?

Provide a general overview of the chemistry

of putrefaction

What naturally occurring factors can

mitigate or alter this chemistry to preserve

human remains?

How can these processes be identified and

analyzed?

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Stage Description

Initial DecayThe cadaver appears fresh externally but is decomposinginternally due to the activities of bacteria, protozoal, and

nematodes present in the animal before death

PutrefactionThe cadaver is swollen by gas produces internally,accompanied by odor of decaying flesh

Blackputrefaction

Flesh of creamy consistence with exposed parts black. Body

collapses as gases escapes. Odor of decay very strong

Butyricfermentation

Cadaver drying out. Some flesh remains at first, and cheesy

odor develops. Ventral surface mouldy from fermentation

Dry decay Cadaver almost dry; slow rate of decay

Now That Youre Dead,Now That Youre Dead,

What Does Your Future Hold?What Does Your Future Hold?

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Whats on the Inside Counts

Lactic acid cannot break down in muscles

ATP vs. glycogenN

N N

N

O O P O P O P O

O

O

NH2

OH OH

O

O

O

O

Escherishia coli et al. flourish in the

intestines

Lowered pH

Fusion of actin and myosin leads torigor mortis

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Reaction Summary

Anaerobic Metabolism

glucose

+ 8

+ 6

ADP

+ 8Pi +

O

CH2

OH

OH

OH

OH

OH

N

N

N

N

O O P O P O

NH2

OH OH

O

O

O

O

H

+

O2

O

O

CH3

O

N

NN

N

O O P O P O P O

O

O

NH2

OH OH

O

O

O

OOH

2

pyruvate ATP

+ 8 + 10

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Peat Bog

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Peat and Re-Peat

Physical and Chemical Properties

Little drainage

Soil present becomes waterlogged and clogged

with decaying foliage

Produces more vegetation than decomposes

Plant accumulation prevents oxygen from

reaching lower levels

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Peat and Re-Peat

Physical and Chemical Properties

Sphagnum moss

Extracts cations from water in the soil

Primarily removes calcium and magnesium

Releases hydronium

Increasingly acidic environment

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Mitigation of Decomposition

Changing Chemistry

Anaerobic/Antibiotic

Prevents bacteria from growing

Acidic (pH~4)

Preserves skin, hair, and fingernails

Extremely cold

Arrests decay

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Archaeometry in Action

Applications and Analysis in Archaeology

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Styling and Profiling

Keeping Up Appearances

Fox fur armband

Well-manicured nails and uncallused hands

Lack of previous injury

Trimmed beard and mustache

How do we know?

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

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The Last Supper

Contents Sphagnum moss spores

Crushed wheat Bran

Barley grains

Mistletoe pollen

How do we know?

Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Spectroscopy

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veni vidi nates calce concidi

Why these injuries?

Why that meal?

Why this man?

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At Rest, At Last

Means to An End

Freeze-drying

Sublimation Practice Makes Perfect

Pigskin

Results

Less than 5%

shrinkage

Remained pliant

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