disheithering

Disheithering is a process used in the preparation of archaeological and paleontological specimens, particularly those involving bone or other organic materials. The term is derived from the combination of "dish" and "deheather," reflecting the method's origins in the preparation of bird specimens. The process involves the removal of soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, and sinew, from the specimen to expose the underlying bone structure. This is typically done using a combination of mechanical and chemical methods.

Mechanical methods include the use of scalpels, knives, and brushes to manually remove soft tissues. Chemical methods involve the use of various solutions, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which dissolve the organic material. The choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the research and the condition of the specimen.

Disheithering is a crucial step in the preparation of specimens for analysis, as it allows researchers to study the bone structure without the interference of soft tissues. It also helps in the identification of species and the determination of age and sex. However, it is a destructive process that cannot be reversed, and it is important to document the specimen thoroughly before disheithering to ensure that all relevant information is preserved.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in non-destructive methods of specimen preparation, such as computed tomography (CT) scanning, which allows researchers to study the internal structure of a specimen without removing any material. However, disheithering remains a valuable tool in the field of archaeology and paleontology, providing unique insights into the past.