Zooarchaeology I: Identifying Animal Bones - ARC00041M

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  • Department: Archaeology
  • Credit value: 5 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

This module is intended for anyone who would like to be able to identify animal remains from archaeological sites - whether as training for research in zooarchaeology; or to help with sampling for specialist analyses; or simply as a useful skill in the field. We start from the most common birds, fish, and mammals on European sites, but also introduce rarer species and provide the tools to start narrowing down identifications of animals elsewhere in the world.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

  • To train students to identify the most common mammal, bird, and fish species found on European archaeological sites.

  • To provide students with the tools to narrow down identification of rarer species and those found elsewhere in the world.

  • To provide students with experience of handling and recording fragmentary animal remains.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of this module students should:

  • Be able to make informed identifications of a wide range of zooarchaeological specimens

  • Be familiar with the principles of identification and the range of available reference resources

  • Be familiar with approaches to recording fragmentary animal remains.

Module content

We start from the basics of the mammalian skeleton but quickly progress to consider a wide range of animals, including birds, fish, and microvertebrates (e.g. amphibians and rodents) as well as the main domesticates and hunted species. Rarer ‘mystery’ species are introduced in exercises to encourage students to think beyond the obvious and to develop their ability to narrow down identifications with the use of the available reference resources. Alongside practical training, we consider the principles of identification, reference collections/resources, and recording protocols.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be available within 4 weeks

Indicative reading

Hillson, S. 1992. Mammal Bones and Teeth: An Introductory Guide to Methods of Identification. London: UCL Institute of Archaeology

O’Connor, T.P. 2000. The Archaeology of Animal Bones. Stroud: Sutton.

Wheeler, A. & A.J.G. Jones. 1989. Fishes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.