DIVJE BABE I. Upper Pleistocene Palaeolithic site in Slovenia
Part I: Geology and Palaeontology

16. Large long bones of cave bear from the Divje babe I site

Gordana JAMBREŠIć and Ivan TURK

Abstract

Large long bones of cave bear were analysed osteometrically with the aid of bi- and multivariate statistical techniques. The aim of the research was to distinguish among large long bones of extremities in relation to size and sex, and stratigraphic location. Because of selective taphonomic factors, specimens of individual large long bones no longer belong to a uniform statistical population . The sample of tibias most approaches these, which was therefore studied in more detail and the results taken to be representative of all large long bones of extremities at the site. We first checked by a combination of measurements of width and width-length whether large bears and bears which are simultaneously small and stocky are both represented in the sample simultaneously, since the width measurements of bones of such bears could overlap. Figure 16.3a, b shows that this is not the case. We then studied the sample of tibias divided into facies A-C, which presumably represent specific types of climate and environment (see Chapter 7 in this volume) and undoubtedly stratify it chronologically. Figure 16.4a, b shows that there are no differences among facies in terms of size of tibias. This means that an interpretation of evolutionary change and/or imigration (Rabeder et al. 2004c) is not supported and that size groups can only be explained by sexual dimorphism. Facies C sample may be the only exception. It appears to be located between the two size groups, which could mean that it belongs to a biometrically distinct population. In both facies A and B there are a higher number of larger and more robust specimens, which is interpreted as a predominance of males. It is exactly the opposite in facies C. Whereas in facies C, which is presumed to be characterised by a mild climate, there is only one male to five females, in facies A and B, which are thought to be characterised by a cold and damp climate, this ratio undoubtedly increases to the detriment of females, which could indicate inter-sexual rivalry for cave dens under extreme climatic conditions.

Mean value of angle of inclination of large long bones in sedimentation levels of block of sediments with a volume of 95 m³.

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2007, (Opera Instituti Archaeologici Sloveniae, 13), 480pp, 10 colour photoogaphs, 178 b-w drawings, photoogaphs and maps, 89 tabels and 38 annexes; 20 x 29 cm, hardcover, ISBN 978-961-254-019-7.

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