On distinguishing natural from cultural damage on archaeological antler

Natural traces produced on antlers during the life of the deer may be mistaken for use wear inflicted by humans when the antler is recovered from archaeological contexts. In the process of discarding their velvet and engaging in a variety of rutting behaviors, deer inflict several forms of damage to their antlers. The abrasion, polishing, marring, and terminal impact fractures noted on 110 pairs of uncast, unused antlers from 11 species of deer demonstrate that this damage is widespread and diagnostic. Comparisons were made between characteristic natural surface modifications and wear found on two common antler tools, pressure flakers and soft hammers.