Experimental Butchery, Thermal Alterations and Taphonomic Signatures of Chelonids: Controlled Comparison of Raw and Roasted Specimens of Terrapins and Tortoises

This dataset accompanies the study “Raw vs Roasted: Reconstructing Early Human
Butchery Practices of Terrapins and Tortoises” by Nabais et al (2025) and documents the
experimental processing of six chelonid specimens under raw and roasted conditions. The
dataset includes detailed records of anatomical identification, processing condition (raw or
roasted), bone surface modifications (cut marks, percussion marks, burning), fracture
morphology and element completeness. Chelonid taxa include Testudo hermanni,
Graptemys ouachitensis and Mauremys cf. reevesii. Each specimen was systematically
examined to record taphonomic variables that reflect early human subsistence behaviours,
with particular attention to differences in fragmentation patterns, thermal impact and lithic
tool use. This structured database is designed to facilitate comparative archaeological and
experimental studies, providing a foundation for recognising anthropogenic modifications on
chelonid remains in prehistoric contexts. The dataset is hosted in the CORA repository for
open access and reuse.