Zooarchaeology

Illustration of an Egyptian mummy of a dog

Dutch Heritage Agency

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Poster of the Zooarchaeology forum in Zagreb

Zooarchaeology is the study of faunal remains related to ancient peoples. This discipline helps archaeologists understand the relationship between humans and animals throughout history. Faunal remains, primarily bones, shell, and other hard tissues, can provide insights into past human behavior, economy, and environment. Zooarchaeologists analyze these remains to reconstruct past diets, domestication processes, hunting practices, and the impact of human activity on the environment.

Definition and Scope

Zooarchaeology combines methodologies from archaeology, paleontology, and anthropology to interpret the archaeological record. The primary focus is on animal bones found within archaeological contexts, but it can also include the study of mollusk shells, scales, and hair. This field is crucial for understanding the roles animals played in past human societies, whether as food, tools, clothing, or even companions.

Methods

Zooarchaeological analysis involves several steps, from excavation to interpretation. Initially, faunal remains are carefully excavated, often using fine tools to prevent damage. Once collected, these remains are cleaned, cataloged, and identified, usually in a laboratory setting. Identification can be challenging and requires a comparative collection of modern animal bones for reference.

Quantitative methods, such as the Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI) and Number of Identified Specimens (NISP), are used to estimate the abundance and diversity of species at a site. These data can inform on hunting and consumption patterns, as well as domestication processes.

Applications

Zooarchaeology has a wide range of applications, from understanding the diet and nutrition of past populations to reconstructing past environments and climates. It can also shed light on the origins of animal domestication and the development of pastoral and agricultural societies. By examining butchery marks on bones, researchers can infer technological advances and social practices, such as food sharing and ritual use of animals.

Challenges

One of the main challenges in zooarchaeology is the preservation of faunal remains. Bones and other hard tissues can be fragmented or altered by environmental factors, making them difficult to identify and analyze. Additionally, the interpretation of faunal data requires a comprehensive understanding of both the archaeological context and comparative anatomy, which can be complex and time-consuming.

Conclusion

Zooarchaeology provides invaluable insights into the past relationships between humans and animals, offering perspectives on the evolution of human societies, economies, and environments. Through the meticulous study of faunal remains, zooarchaeologists continue to contribute to our understanding of history and prehistory, bridging the gap between the natural and social sciences.