Ichtyo3D2: 3D Teleost skeletal database
Résumé
The application of sampling methods with fine sieve meshes during archaeological excavations has considerably modified the image of the role of fishing in the economy of ancient societies. The use of these field techniques allows, by multiplying the data, a quantitative approach that restores the share of each species in consumption, from the smallest to the largest. The millimetre size of certain remains collected in the samples and the numerous similarities between skeletons of individuals of the same genus, or even of the same family, often make the precise identification of small species difficult.
The Ichtyo3D2 project* is a continuation of a preliminary interdisciplinary project (2021) conducted by CCJ-UMR 7299 and CEREGE, which has experimented the use of 3D x-ray micro-CT (Computed Tomography) on vertebrae of three small teleost bones (Chelon saliens, Diplodus sargus, Boops boops). This technique gives us a high spatial resolution (up to submicron) and access to structural information (bone density, deformation, alteration, etc….). We have information such as bone density, age and season of capture which are difficult to detect in any other way and which are necessary for our studies on the exploitation of fisheries resources over the long term. The three-dimensional x-ray imaging analysis (CEREGE) of various skeleton elements made it possible to create an interactive database. This one will be used, ultimately, as an osteological atlas for various small Mediterranean and Black Sea species. The Centre Camille Jullian has an osteotheque that includes a number of small sparids (Diplodus sargus, Sarpa sarpa, Boops boops, Lithognatus mormyrus, Spicara Maena), small mugilids, labridae (Coris julis), serranidae (Seranus cabrilla) whose osteology is very poorly known, illustrated and disseminated. Nevertheless, these species appear on the list of species consumed by different communities over time. They characterise the diet of some social categories.
Our objectives with this project are:
1)to create a didactic tool for the identification of skeletal elements for any species dedicated to students and researchers interested in the exploitation of marine resources.
2)to increase the data sets of interest in several fields of archaeo-ichthyology and more broadly in biology (anatomy, histology of skeletal tissues);
3)to characterise the 3D structure (density, shape, porosity, etc.) on various parts of the skeletal elements for the species studied in order to have a better understanding of the conservation parameters of the archaeological remains.
This project will also enable the validation of a high-performance technique for saving and replicating bones, whether they belong to a current repository or come from archaeological sites and if they have to be destroyed to carry out biochemical analyses.
* The project has received funding from Excellence Initiative of Aix-Marseille University - A*MIDEX, a French "Investissements d’Avenir" programme - Institute for Mediterranean Archaeology ARKAIA (AMX-19-IET-003).