Loading...
The effects of lime on the decomposition of buried human remains. A field and laboratory based study for forensic and archaeological application.
Schotsmans, Eline M.J.
Schotsmans, Eline M.J.
Publication Date
2014-05-02
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Peer-Reviewed
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Department of Archaeological Sciences, School of Life Sciences.
Awarded
2013
Embargo end date
Collections
Additional title
Abstract
The inclusion of lime in burials is observed in historical and archaeological records, in
contemporary mass graves and forensic cases. Clearly there are controversies within
the literature and there is a general misconception of the effects of lime on
decomposition. Recent casework in Belgium and the UK involving the search for
human remains buried with lime, have demonstrated the need for a more detailed
understanding of the effect of different types of lime on cadaver decomposition and its
micro-environment. Field and laboratory experiments using pigs as human body
analogues were undertaken to obtain a better understanding of the taphonomic
processes that govern lime burials. The changes observed in the experiments were
related back to archaeological parallels in which white residues have been found. The
combined results of these studies demonstrate that despite conflicting evidence in the
literature, hydrated lime and quicklime both delay the initial stages of the decay
process but do not arrest it completely. The end result is ultimately the same:
skeletonisation. Furthermore this study stresses the importance of the specific microenvironment
in taphonomic research and highlights the need for chemical analysis of
white residues when encountered in a burial. Not all white powder is lime. White
residue could be identified as calcium carbonate, building material, body
decomposition products, minerals or degraded lead.
This study has implications for the investigation of clandestine burials and for a better
understanding of archaeological plaster burials. Knowledge of the effects of lime on
decomposition processes also have bearing on practices involving the disposal of
animal carcasses and potentially the management of mass graves and mass disasters by humanitarian organisation and DVI teams.
Version
Citation
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Thesis
Qualification name
PhD