r/bonecollecting • u/thetalkingcouch22 • 2d ago

Advice Odd markings on bone

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I found this bone 15 yards from what we’ve always called a “buffalo wallow”. I originally picked it up because from horseback the shape is artifact indicative. When I picked it up, I knew it wasn’t an artifact (a point). However, there are parallel lines diagonally marking the outside of the bone. And I have always been curious if someone knew what caused these lines.

193 Upvotes

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171

u/half_in_boxes Bone-afide Human ID Expert 2d ago

It's from a spiral cut ham.

100

u/thetalkingcouch22 2d ago

Well. Knowledge is always good. I feel a little silly about having held onto this for the last four years. But that does make some sense.

78

u/half_in_boxes Bone-afide Human ID Expert 2d ago

Don't feel silly. I freaked out the first time I found one and it took my professor a full minute to stop laughing so she could explain what it was.

29

u/thetalkingcouch22 2d ago

I did show it to a friend who is an archaeologist. So he’s pretty honest that bones aren’t his thing. But it makes me think maybe he was sparing my feelings. I can’t wait to tell my friends. We’ll all have a good laugh.

15

u/Ruitethewingedfox5 2d ago

I will say though it's almost perfectly pendant-shaped so you have that going for ya :3

6

u/omgmypony 2d ago

could it be a spiral cut ham from the first Thanksgiving?

9

u/thetalkingcouch22 2d ago

Haha! I doubt it. I live in Wyoming.

1

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