Faunal analysis : studies in the analysis and interpretation of animal bones from large multi-phase archaeological excavations

Winder, Nick Peter (1986) Faunal analysis : studies in the analysis and interpretation of animal bones from large multi-phase archaeological excavations. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

The archaeological background to economic archaeology is discussed and the role of faunal analyses in such studies is assessed. A case is made in favour of a unified `multidimensional' approach to the faunal material from archaeological sites. A set of terms is introduced and defined by means of which it is possible to derive an analytically useful model of assemblage formation processes. Two of these, which are crucial to the understanding of assemblage formation, are the `shape' (composition) and `scale' of a population of animal bones. A method is devised for standardising assemblage composition data with respect to scale whilst maintaining patterning manifested as shape. This model is employed in the analysis of the bones from recent excavations at Neolithic Knossos (Crete) and bronze age Phylakopi (Melos). It is demonstrated that the interpretation of the Knossos assemblage presented by Jarman and Jarman (1968) is disputable. Evidence is presented that no demonstrable changes in animal husbandry were evidenced at Knossos throughout the neolithic, although the bones may have been subject to gradual attrition, probably by the percolation of soil solutes and the weight of sediments. It is also argued that Furness' (1953) conclusions on the ceramic material and Evans' (1964 et seq.) interpretation of the archaeological evidence based on Furness' revision are equivocal. The Melian material is shown to be similarly uniform and the apparent increase in the relative abundance of cattle (Gamble 1982) is at least partly attributable to taphonomic factors. Evidence is presented that the bulk of the material results from the action of large scale refuse disposal and that the contexts in which behaviourally or taphonomically differentiated assemblages are recovered are those which are quickly and purposively sealed and consequently produce comparatively little material. The use of statistics in the interpretation of archaeofaunas is discussed and guidelines for their application and interpretation are presented in terms of the causes and effects of archaeozoological variation. It is concluded that the case in favour of a multidimensional approach to faunal analysis is overwhelming. (D73647/87)

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