Table of Contents: Definition – Archaeozoology
“Archaeozoology”
Pronunciation: /ˌɑːrkioʊˌzuːˈɒlədʒi/ (ar-kee-oh-zoo-OL-uh-jee)
Part of Speech: Noun
Archaeozoology Definition (Archaeological Science Context)
The scientific discipline that studies animal remains (faunal remains) recovered from archaeological excavations. Its purpose is to reconstruct past human subsistence, economy, and environment. Analysis focuses on identifying species, determining age and sex, and studying butchery marks or tool modifications on bone fragments. This field provides critical evidence on hunting strategies, livestock husbandry, domestication, and ancient dietary practices.
Origin of the Word “Archaeozoology”
The term is a modern compound of three Greek roots. Archaeo (from arkhaios) means “ancient.” Zoo (from zōon) means “animal.” Logy (from logia) means “study.” The combination literally means “the study of ancient animals.”
Examples:
- Subsistence Context: “In addition, the abundance of specific teeth and leg bones indicated a focus on deer hunting during the winter months.”
- Domestication Context: “Similarly, the shift in the age profile of the caprine remains suggested a transition from wild foraging to herd management.”
- Environmental Context: “Consequently, the identification of certain cold-adapted mammal bones helped reconstruct the local Pleistocene climate.”
- Technological Context: “Moreover, cut marks on the bone fragments precisely revealed the butchery techniques used by the ancient group.”
Vocabulary and Language Resources
Etymology
Archaeozoology: From Greek arkhaios (ancient) + zōon (animal) + logia (study).
Synonyms
Zooarchaeology, faunal analysis, osteoarchaeology (sometimes used to include human bones).
Antonyms:
Archaeobotany (study of plant remains), Lithic analysis (study of stone tools).
Thesaurus
Analysis, science, study, investigation, research, evidence, reconstruction.
Terms Related to Archaeozoology
- Faunal Remains: The general term for animal material found at a site, primarily bones and teeth, for example.
- Taphonomy: The study of how organic remains decay and become fossilized, important for interpreting bone assemblages.
- NISP (Number of Identified Specimens): A common metric used to quantify the number of bone fragments identified to a species.
- Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI): A calculation used to estimate the smallest number of individual animals represented by the bones.
- Zooarchaeologist: A specialist who practices this scientific discipline.
- Butchery Marks: Scars on bones left by stone or metal tools during meat processing.
Archaeozoology Historical & Cultural Context
The systematic study of bones from excavations began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in Europe. Early work focused heavily on identifying species for large sites like cave dwellings. The field became a sophisticated discipline in the mid-20th century. Modern practice involves detailed metric analysis, stable isotope studies, and a strong theoretical framework (taphonomy) to understand how bones ended up in the archaeological record. The greatest impact has been in charting the global transition from hunting to farming.
Principles or Key Aspects of Archaeozoology
- Subsistence Reconstruction: Determines the sources of protein and fat in ancient human diets.
- Domestication History: Tracks subtle skeletal changes and age profiles that signal the start of animal husbandry.
- Paleoenvironment: The presence or absence of specific species helps reconstruct the local ecosystem and climate.
- Cultural Choice: Analysis reveals human selection biases, showing which animals were favored for food, ritual, or utility.
- Site Function: The types of bones and the degree of processing can indicate whether a site was a kill site, a base camp, or a specialized processing area.
Ethical Considerations for Archaeozoology
- Skeletal Integrity: Bone assemblages should be kept together for future analysis, even if only a few bones are studied initially.
- Destructive Testing: The use of bones for radiocarbon or isotope analysis requires careful justification, as the sample is consumed.
- Collection Bias: Historic excavations may have discarded small or fragmented bones, leading to a skewed picture of ancient diet.
- Conservation: Bones require specialized handling and storage to prevent degradation, especially in humid climates.
Relevance to Ancient the World
The discipline is crucial for understanding ancient worlds because it:
- Maps Migration: The movement of domesticated animals (e.g., sheep, cattle) tracks human expansion and trade routes.
- Explains Settlement: Changes in animal exploitation patterns are linked to the rise of permanent settlements and villages.
- Reveals Status: Certain high-value or ritually-sacrificed species can indicate social status or elite feasting.
- Informs Technology: Analysis of bone tools (e.g., needles, awls, fish hooks) provides evidence of specialized craft skills.
- Quantifies Economy: The ratio of wild to domesticated species provides a direct measurement of economic reliance.
