Archaeozoological analysis on faunal remains of the 5th mil. BC
Nadine Nolde, Silviane Scharl
In the course of the 5th mil. BC a tendency towards a growing human impact in less suitable, peripheral areas becomes visible in the Central European Loess areas. One reason that is discussed for these expansion processes is an extensification of animal husbandry, that might have been caused by a deterioriation of climatic and/or husbandry conditions in the traditional settlement areas. Taking these observations as a starting point, faunal remains from the 5th mil. BC in Central Europe will be analysed with regard to faunal species (wild and domestic animals), herd composition and culling age in order to gain deeper insights into animal husbandry of this time period. Anatomic measures of animal bones will help to collect data on body size and growth form/habit as a reduction in size might reflect an earlier weaning in order to use the milk for human consumption, a reduction in herd mobility or poor fodder quality or availability. A quantitative food shortage, e.g. caused by insufficient grazing or a lack of fodder supplies during winter, causes a bias towards smaller livestock with a reduced basal metabolism. Further data on the basic food resources of the livestock can be gained by dental microwear analysis. This analysis takes into account microscopic chewing patterns on teeth that reflect fodder and grazing strategies (in cooperation with I. Mainland/University of the Highlands and the Islands, UK). In close cooperation with the other parts of the project interrelations between changes in vegetation history and animal husbandry in central and peripheral habitats will be worked out.
- Pilot study Thyssen Stiftung: Dental microwear analysis in Neolithic ruminants and pigs from Southeast Germany