Module overview
This module will cover the practical skills necessary to identify, record and interpret animal bones from archaeological sites as well as the techniques used for the study of animals in human life in the past.
You will learn methods of identification of mammals, birds and fish, and how to age and sex skeletal remains. The module will also cover bone modification, taphonomy, quantification, metrical study and the recognition and interpretation of pathology. Special emphasis will be placed on interpreting assemblages within the context of diverse archaeological aims.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- select appropriate means for recording and analysing data
- evaluate and critique arguments and material
- write clear and concise reports
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- present information clearly and concisely
- evaluate results of zooarchaeological analyses and studies
- observe and visually identify mammalian, avian and fish bones
- critique zooarchaeological data and interpretations derived from it
- demonstrate command of literature and critical thinking
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- varying approaches to the analysis of animal bone remains
- The mammalian, avian and fish skeletons
- 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.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- pose and tackle archaeological questions using zooarchaeological data
- integrate theoretical issues and archaeological questions with empirical zooarchaeological data
- identify skeletal elements of the main European domestic animals and key wild species
- recognise the principal modifications to bone by humans and other agencies
- write zooarchaeological reports suitable for publication
Syllabus
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)
Learning and Teaching
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
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 32 |
| Lecture | 12 |
| Wider reading or practice | 50 |
| Seminar | 4 |
| Completion of assessment task | 52 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Binford L. R. (1981). Bones : Ancient Men and Modern Myths. New York: Academic Press.
Lyman, R. L. (1994). Vertebrate taphonomy. 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.
Brain, C. K (1981). Hunters or the Hunted? An introduction to African cave taphonomy. Chicago: Chicago University Press.
Wheeler, A. and A. K. G. Jones (1989). Fishes. Cambridge: Cambridge University 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.
Wilson, B., C. Grigson and S. Payne (Eds.) (1982). Ageing and Sexing Animal Bones from Archaeological Sites. Oxford: BAR.
Baker, J. and Brothwell, D. (1980). Animal Diseases in Archaeology. London: Academic Press.
Davis S. J. M. (1987). The Archaeology of Animals. London: Batsford.
O'Connor, T.P (2000). The archaeology of animal bones. Gloucester: Sutton.
Serjeantson, D. (2009). Birds. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press.
Reitz, E. J. and E. S. Wing (2008). Zooarchaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Bone tests | 50% |
| Report | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External