The use of bone as fuel during the Palaeolithic, experimental study of bone combustible properties

Burnt bone, mostly spongy bone, is found on many archaeological sites. An experimental study of the combustion properties of bone shows that the spongy parts, mainly distal, are more combustible than the more compact bone. The combustion of these parts is characterised by the production of high and durable flames, and the absence of a calcination phase. The use of bone for combustion is therefore reserved for hearths, whose function is related to the resulting flames (convective and radiant heat). For these functions, bone is more suitable than wood. The discussion relates to the motivation behind using bone for fuel in the specific context of the Palaeolithic. The assumption that the management of fuels strongly correlated with the length of site occupation and site function seems increasingly probable.