What is it about?
This article reflects on a series of controlled investigations and blind tests, looking at the variation in internal structure and other characteristics of antler, along the length of a single antler, between individuals, between species, and between sexes (in reindeer), as well as considering the impact of seasonality, diet, pathology and further confounds.
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Why is it important?
This is the first detailed consideration of the problems and potentials of identifying small pieces of antler by eye, a task that has great interpretative potential if done correctly, but is often undertaken without critical reflection.
Perspectives
Since this article was undertaken, biomolecular methods such as ZooMS have become more and more accessible. But simple macroscopic identification- where possible - remains an invaluable skill.
Dr Steven P Ashby
University of York
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Some Comments on the Identification of Cervid Species in Worked Antler, December 2013, JSTOR,
DOI: 10.2307/j.ctvh1dgv3.25.
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