Violence, Mortuary Practice, Or Ritual? A Comprehensive Analysis of Cut and Chop Marks on Human Remains from the Ilagan, Isabela Archaeological Assemblage

Ramon D. Bandong Jr.*, Kimberly Anne Plomp and Leee Anthony Neri

This research investigates the processes underlying breakage patterns observed in human skeletal remains, particularly cut marks and chop marks from an archaeological assemblage found in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines. Employing a macroscopic and microscopic analysis and aided by an experimental approach, the study aims to reconstruct how such patterns may have formed, identify their potential sources and causes, and assess the extent and mechanics of the resulting damage. The experimental findings will be systematically compared with archaeological materials previously documented as exhibiting anthropogenic marks. Through this comparative analysis, the study clarifies how different forms of cut marks and chop marks are manifested in skeletal tissue and how such features and patterns may be reliably interpreted. Ultimately, the research develops a reference framework that can support future comparative evaluations and forensic or bioarchaeological analyses of skeletal trauma.