Analysis of archaeological faunal remains

Learning Outcomes

Cognitive Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• evaluate results of zooarchaeological analyses and studies
• demonstrate command of literature and critical thinking
• observe and visually identify mammalian, avian and fish bones
• critique zooarchaeological data and interpretations derived from it
• present information clearly and concisely

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• evaluate and critique arguments and material
• select appropriate means for recording and analysing data
• write clear and concise reports

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• recognise the principal modifications to bone by humans and other agencies
• write zooarchaeological reports suitable for publication
• integrate theoretical issues and archaeological questions with empirical zooarchaeological data
• identify skeletal elements of the main European domestic animals and key wild species
• pose and tackle archaeological questions using zooarchaeological data

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the use of animal bone remains as a resource for studying aspects of diet, hunting strategies, use and management of the main domestic animals, and socio-economic status.
• varying approaches to the analysis of animal bone remains
• The mammalian, avian and fish skeletons

The module syllabus will typically include the following components:

• The mammal skeleton: anatomy and evolution
• Properties and growth of bones: epiphyseal fusion
• Taphonomy: the formation of archaeological bone assemblages
• The measurement of animal bones: methods and purposes
• Animal bone quantification: a critical review of the main methods
• The ageing of animals through tooth eruption and wear
• The avian skeleton and the analysis of bird bones
• The ‘animal bone report’: aims and methods
• The fish skeleton
• Ancient DNA studies in Osteoarchaeology
• Social issues in Zooarchaeology (socio-economic status, ritual, ethnicity)

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Laboratory study: practical work developing identification and analysis skills
• Lectures detailing aspects of skeletal identification or methodology
• Seminars

Learning activities include

• Laboratory study (practical work)
• Seminars
• Portfolio preparation
• Summative bone identification tests

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Serjeantson, D. (2009). Birds. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press.

O'Connor, T.P (2000). The archaeology of animal bones. Gloucester: Sutton.

Wilson, B., C. Grigson and S. Payne (Eds.) (1982). Ageing and Sexing Animal Bones from Archaeological Sites. Oxford: BAR.

Brain, C. K (1981). Hunters or the Hunted? An introduction to African cave taphonomy. Chicago: Chicago University Press.

Baker, J. and Brothwell, D. (1980). Animal Diseases in Archaeology. London: Academic Press.

Wheeler, A. and A. K. G. Jones (1989). Fishes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Driesch A. von den (1976). A guide to the measurement of animal bones from archaeological sites. Peabody Museum Bulletin 1, Harvard.

Binford L. R. (1981). Bones : Ancient Men and Modern Myths. New York: Academic Press.

O’Connor, T.P. (2003). The Analysis of Urban Animal Bone Assemblages. Council for British archaeology.

O'Connor, T.P (2000). The archaeology of animal bones. Gloucester: Sutton.

Lyman, R. L. (1994). Vertebrate taphonomy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Davis S. J. M. (1987). The Archaeology of Animals. London: Batsford.

Reitz, E. J. and E. S. Wing (2008). Zooarchaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Assessment strategy

Bones test = For each quiz, students will be asked to identify 12-15 animal bone specimens; they will have 1.5 mins per specimen and will be required to identify skeletal element, taxonomic species, side of the body, proximal and distal epiphyseal fusion and – in quizzes carried out after learning the topic – any taphonomical modifications. Quizzes will be carried out in the Mammal Osteology laboratory

Bone Report = Each students will write a report on a faunal assemblage that he/she - together with other students - has worked on during practical sessions and during independent work sessions. This report will require handling of data, selection of appropriate methods to analyse it, knowledge of theoretical issues and critical thinking. Word limit: 1500 words.

This written assignment comprises 40% of the module mark, and is used to assess the understanding of the main methodological and theoretical issues in the study of faunal remains, as well as the ability to present issues clearly and concisely.

Portfolio = Students will collect, organise and present items that will help them in the identification, ageing, sexing and recording of zooarchaeological remains; these should include images (e.g. annotated photos / drawings), notes, tables, etc).

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External