What is archaeozoology?

Archaeozoology (also known as osteoarchaeology or zooarchaeology) deals with animals and their organic remains or remains from archaeological contexts.

What is being analysed?
Vertebrate bodies consist of various hard and soft components, but typically only the hard parts, such as bones, teeth, horn cores, and antlers, are preserved. These hard tissues are composed of both organic and inorganic substances, with inorganic mineral crystals embedded in organic proteins like collagen, from which DNA can be extracted. Skeletal elements with high mineral content, such as teeth protected by enamel, tend to be better preserved than those with lower mineral content, such as bones, especially in newborn animals. Bones are primarily made of calcium phosphate, which dissolves quickly in acidic soils or water, meaning they are better preserved in neutral or alkaline conditions. Local deposits that raise the pH level, like heaps of mussel shells, can improve bone preservation even in otherwise acidic environments. When bones are heated to around 600°C, their minerals recrystallize into a stable structure, making calcined bones recoverable from many sites, even when teeth have deteriorated.

The preservation of soft tissue is extremely rare and typically occurs only when bacterial activity is either prevented or significantly limited. This can happen in conditions such as freezing, extreme dryness with no oxygen, or in toxic environments. In northern Europe, for instance, bogs are the most common locations where soft tissues, including keratin-rich materials like hair, hooves, and horns, as well as occasionally skin and organs, may be preserved. However, these tissues can quickly become unstable if their storage conditions change. Therefore, it is highly recommended to involve taxidermists when soft tissues are expected or uncovered during excavation.
Larger vertebrate remains, such as bones from domesticated animals, are usually visible during excavations and can be recovered along with artifacts. To prevent missing small remains, like bones of fish, small mammals, birds, juvenile animals, or bone fragments, sieving or slurry techniques should be used (see 'Excavation and Sample Preservation'). Although this method is ideal for the entire excavation, if it is too time-consuming or labor-intensive, it should be applied to at least a portion of the site, in consultation with the archaeozoologist.
Archaeozoology is distinguished by its broad interdisciplinary approach, allowing animal bones to be studied from a variety of perspectives.
What insights does archaeozoology provide?
Archaeozoology employs a wide range of analytical methods to explore prehistoric and historical human behavior. Traditionally, much of the research has focused on topics like human diet, the impact of humans on the landscape, resource use, and economic activity. As a result, archaeozoological studies can not only shed light on dietary habits within specific subsistence strategies but also offer insights into settlement patterns, socio-economic structures, and social behavior.
In addition to archaeological perspectives, archaeozoological research often incorporates biological or ecological aspects, sometimes independent of human activity. For instance, archaeozoological findings contribute to paleoclimate reconstruction, studies of bioturbation, and investigations into zoogeographic conditions, such as species migration, extinction, and distribution. They also provide information on environmental changes, morphological characteristics, population structures, and the history of domestication.
As previously mentioned, evidence of human interaction with animals is diverse. Wool, hair, and fur may have been used for making clothing, tents, traps, or transport-related items. Some animal parts, initially utilized for food, were later repurposed as raw materials for tools or decorative objects. In certain cases, the processing of these materials was more significant than their role in diet. By-products such as oil, fat, gelatin, and glue were also important results of bone processing. Additionally, animals provided manure, which served various functions, including as fuel, building material, fertilizer, dye, or tanning agents.