INTRODUCTION

     First, recall the goals of the archaeological excavations at Hilltopper Shelter.  One research question concerns when the site was occupied.  Is Hilltopper Shelter a single component historic period site or a multicomponent site that also represents prehistoric occupations?  Can a specific range of years be specified for each occupation?  The other research question relates to the function of the site during each temporally-distinct occupation.  How was the site used during each occupation?

    In the previous labs we considered how lithic, ceramic/pottery, and floral artifacts might be used to answer these questions.  In this lab, we examine how faunal remains can be used to address these questions. Our zooarchaeological analysis will proceed with these questions in mind.  How can animal remains be used to determine time and period of occupation?  How can animal remains be used to determine site function?  Faunal identification and interpretation are demonstrated in this lab.
 

OCCUPATION HISTORY

     None of the animal remains was submitted for radiocarbon dating.  Therefore, you do not need to consider faunal evidence related to the question of when the site was occupied. You do not need to include a section on the periods of site occupation for this lab report.
 

SITE FUNCTION

     Faunal remains were recovered from various features and stratigraphic zones at Hilltopper Shelter.  Assuming that all the animal remains are artifacts as opposed to ecofacts, the faunal remains may be used to determine the nature of animal use, the economic importance of animal species, the season of site occupation, and the intensity of site occupation.

    Nature of animal use:  Consider how animals were used by the inhabitants, keeping in mind that animals have uses other than consumption / subsistence.  Some animal parts were used for tools, clothing, ritual garb, and personal ornamentation.  The following table serves as an interpretive guideline.

    Economic importance of animals:  Using some method of quantification or quantitative analysis including calculation of minimum number of individuals, determine what type of economy is represented for each occupation and what animals were the most important economically. The following table serves as an interpretive guideline.

    Season of occupation:  Using some method of quantification or quantitative analysis, determine during what season(s) the site was occupied.  Deer and turkey are usually taken in the fall.  Mussels are often collected in the spring and summer.  Small mammals are often used year-round.

    Intensity of site occupation:  Using some method of quantification or quantitative analysis, compare animal assemblages from different contexts to determine the intensity of site occupation. Generally speaking, the volume or density of faunal materials are indicative of frequency and/or duration of site use. High densities of bone suggest frequent use of a site or long durations of site occupation. Diverse animal assemblages may indicate more intensive site use.  Animal remains from multiple seasons suggest longer duration of occupation than do animal remains from just one season.

    ASSIGNMENT:  Using reference materials and comparative collections in the lab, identify the types of faunal remains from each field sample.  Record the sample number, provenience, species (if possible), bone element (if possible), and alterations or modifications.  Record any other attributes you deem relevant to answering the research questions.

SITE REPORT

     The results of the zooarchaeological analysis must be described in the site report. The zooarchaeological analysis section usually includes descriptive text, data tables, data figures, and quantitative analysis. I suggest paragraphs (with supporting figures and tables, as appropriate) describing the composition, distribution and preservation of the animal remains from the site. Follow this with paragraphs (plus supporting figures and tables) on the relationship between animals and site function during each occupation. What types of activities, based on faunal remains, occurred at the site? What were the most economically important animals used during each occupation, and do these indicate collecting or herding or both? What were the season(s) of occupation for each zone? How intensely was the site used during each occupation?

    ASSIGNMENT:  Compose the zooarchaeological analysis section of the final site report.  Follow the stylistic format of the existing portions of the site report.  Click here for more details.