<p>This article reports test studies on the potential application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (hereafter FTIR) for distinguishing artefacts made from the bone and antler of European cervids (<i>Cervidae</i>). The research was based on contemporary (reference) samples from red deer, roe deer, moose, and reindeer, as well as archaeological material from the Upper Paleolithic to modern times, from Poland and Lithuania. The study also considered the potential impact of bone-softening methods on FTIR results by analysing experimental samples softened by soaking in water, sour milk, sorrel, urine, and lye. Although the study is preliminary and requires further verification, we hypothesise that it is possible to identify contemporary and archaeological bone and antler (including softened material) using FTIR; the method may also be used to identify certain bone-softening techniques.</p>