Cetacean Vertebra

This dorsal vertebrae, which by its size could belong to a common rorqual, is part of the stored collection (it has been temporary exhibited, recently). It belonged to a specimen that lived between 190 and 40 a. c , according to the information of a dating study, coinciding with the initial stages of establishment on the shores of Ensenada de Bolonia, by baelonenses. (roman citizens)

With an exceptional state of preservation, the function of this part is shown by some longitudinal marks on the surface. These marks point out that it was used as a support for cutting probably for fish.

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Bibliography :

Bernal García, D. y Monclova Bohórquez, A. “12. Vértebra de cetáceo” en Bernal, D. (ed., 2009): Arqueología de la pesca en el Estrecho de Gibraltar. De la Prehistoria al fin del Mundo Antiguo, Monografías del Proyecto Sagena 1, Cádiz, p. 380