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Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Volume 27, October 2019, 102002
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

Experimental replication shows knives manufactured from frozen human
feces do not work

Author links open overlay panelMetin I. Eren ^a ^b, Michelle R. 
Bebber ^a, James D. Norris ^a, Alyssa Perrone ^a, Ashley Rutkoski ^a,
Michael Wilson ^a, Mary Ann Raghanti ^a
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.102002Get rights and content
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Highlights

  * *

    An ethnographic account states an Inuit man made a knife from his
    own frozen feces.

  * *

    We experimentally tested knives manufactured from frozen human
    feces.

  * *

    Knives manufactured from frozen human feces do not work.

Abstract

The ethnographic account of an Inuit man manufacturing a knife from
his own frozen feces to butcher and disarticulate a dog has permeated
both the academic literature and popular culture. To evaluate the
validity of this claim, we tested the basis of that account via
experimental archaeology. Our experiments assessed the functionality
of knives made from human feces in controlled conditions that
provided optimal conditions for success. However, they were not
functional. While much research has shown foragers to be
technologically resourceful, innovative, and savvy, we suggest that
this ethnographic account should no longer be used to support that
narrative.

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