Faunal Remains Whit Schroder Archaeology of College Hill FBC 2007

Zooarchaeology Study of animal bones from archaeological sites Study of animal bones from archaeological sites How humans have interacted with animals How humans have interacted with animals

Shells Oyster and Clam (Quahog, Soft-shell) Oyster and Clam (Quahog, Soft-shell) Important part of Northeast diet since Native American times Important part of Northeast diet since Native American times Used as currency/jewelry by Native Americans Used as currency/jewelry by Native Americans Usually eaten in the form of a clambake Usually eaten in the form of a clambake

Oyster Shells D1 SU3

Clam Shells D1 SU4

Clam Shells (Quahog vs. Soft-Shell)

Purple Clam D2 SU9 Purple Clam from Cocumscussoc

Bones Bones recovered are extremely fragmentary Bones recovered are extremely fragmentary Bone most commonly recovered and identifiable from a site includes: skull, humerus, pelvis, scapula Bone most commonly recovered and identifiable from a site includes: skull, humerus, pelvis, scapula Identification can be very difficult and inconclusive; vague Identification can be very difficult and inconclusive; vague

Small Bone Fragments C1 SU4D1 SU4 EpiphysisAmbiguous Epiphysis

Small Fragments of Long Bones D2 SU5D2 SU8

Large Fragments of Bone

Distal Humerus of a Medium-Sized Mammal, Possibly a Dog D1 SU4

Fragment of a Long Bone of a Medium-Sized Mammal D1 SU5

Fragment of a Thoracic Vertebra of a Medium to Large-Sized Mammal D2 SU7

Scapula of a Deer?

Fragment of a Long Bone from a Domestic Bird D1 SU9

And…

…A Turtle Shell!

Conclusions Fewer shells and bones recovered this year compared to last season – fewer test pits? Fewer shells and bones recovered this year compared to last season – fewer test pits? Most bones discovered in D1 (especially SU4) and D2, together with many shells – possible sites for church picnics Most bones discovered in D1 (especially SU4) and D2, together with many shells – possible sites for church picnics