Differing Patterns of Skeletal Disarticulation in Single and Multiple Burials

Abstract

This study presents a comparative taphonomic analysis of skeletal remains from a military cemetery in Prague-Karlín (18th–19th century), focusing on joint disarticulation as a proxy for reconstructing postdepositional environments. The primary objective was to determine whether significant differences exist between individuals interred in coffins in standard single graves (n = 130) and those in a filled space within a multiple grave (n = 140). Using taphonomic field data, the research statistically evaluated (χ², Cramer's V) the articulation and disarticulation of labile and persistent joints. The results revealed statistically significant differences, primarily in labile joints. Contrary to the null hypothesis, skeletons decomposing in void environments (from the single graves) exhibited a greater disarticulation than those in filled-space conditions (from the multiple grave). Primary voids (coffins) and secondary voids (created by clothing and footwear) permitted bone movement following soft tissue decomposition. Conversely, the multiple burial lacked such voids due to dense body packing and rapid sediment infilling stabilized skeletal position and preserved anatomical articulation. These findings suggest that micro-environmental conditions provided by burial containers and funerary practices are critical to the disarticulation processes. This research highlights the potential of statistical testing of field taphonomic data for interpreting complex funerary contexts.