Taphonomic-forensic analysis of the hominin skulls from the Sima de los Huesos

Abstract

The Sima de los Huesos hominin assemblageis composed of thousands of fossil fragments, including pieces of crania and mandibles. The main objective of this work is to address the main taphonomic features of the cranial and mandibular remains from the Sima de los Huesos sample, including antemortem, perimortem, and postmortem skeletal disturbances. We present an updated assessment of healed cranial trauma, first described in 1997 and now including new skulls. Additionally, this study reviews the perimortem fractures in relation to their location and features of the affected individuals. Finally, this paper deals with the modifications affecting the cranial sample from the Sima de los Huesos at the post-mortem stage, including physical and biological post-depositional modifications. The Sima de los Huesos collection provides a unique opportunity for conducting a complete forensic taphonomic study on a Middle Pleistocene population.