Taphos-m is an experimental archaeology and anthropology project, created in 2011,
with the objective of knowing what taphonomic agents and processes could be responsible
for the observable effects in the field. The first stage of the project consisted of
the burial of 26 domestic pig carcases under different environmental conditions and
burial types; the antemortem information about the animals was also compiled. This
paper presents the preliminary results obtained during the first three years since the
last burial took place. The evolution of the funerary structures was evaluated and four
bodies were exhumed. The antemortem data and the information obtained from these
four exhumations, have helped in understanding of the cadaveric state of the bodies
and the anatomical disassociation of bones buried in different types of funerary structures.
The preservation and condition of the cortical surface of the bones and the presence
or absence of fragmentation were described too. The results presented here allow
an understanding of the evolution of the characteristics of the facility and the differences
among the pig remains. Opening all funerary structures is considered necessary
in order to obtain further conclusions.