L'étude des modifications de surface osseuse dans les sciences forensique et archéo-anthropologique : perspective bibliométrique

As they can result from inter-human violence and post-mortem mutilations, bone surface modifications (BSM) represent an interesting subject of study both in archaeology and in forensic science. To assess the current research trends in both these disciplines, a bibliometric analysis recoding publications dealing with BSM was carried out. Five leading journals in forensic and archaeological sciences were analysed for a 10-year period (2001-2010). The aims were twofold: firstly, to characterise the research peculiarity in each domain, and secondly, to shed light on the usefulness of osteoarchaeological data for scholars working in the field of forensic sciences. The results illustrate the large amount of data regarding BSM morphology in the archaeological literature. While most of the forensic studies deal with gunshot wounds and blunt force injuries, many archaeological studies relate to BSM produced by sharp instruments. A broad part of these works concerns cut marks linked to defleshing and dismembering of bodies. These findings highlight the usefulness of collaboration between forensic practitioners and anthropologists for the study of skeletonised bodies from forensic contexts.