Archaeozoology

At the Museum of Natural History in Bern, the study of animal remains (e.g. bones, teeth, antler) from archaeological sites has a long-standing tradition of well over one hundred years. It all began in the late 19th century when its then director, prof. Theophil Studer (1845-1922) established a new research focus on dog remains from the newly discovered prehistoric pile dwellings of Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel (now part of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage).

Although archaeozoological methods have evolved ever since (e.g. the growing use of molecular genetics and stable isotope analyses), the main goal of the discipline however remained unchanged: the attempt to dip deep into the past of our ancestors and get a more comprehensive insight into their way of life and the environment they lived in. Modern archaeozoology may focus on subjects such as hunting and environmental change (Paleolithic/Mesolithic), domestication and early husbandry (Neolithic) or animals as indicators of social status and their role in believe and religion (Roman times/Middle Ages).

 

Usually the analyses of faunal assemblages from archaeological sites comprise:

  • examination of the taphonomic factors influencing the embedding processes and preservation (e.g. weathering, fracturing, burning, butchering, gnawing)
  • taxonomic identification (i.e. the determination of genus and species) and/or identification of the raw material of artifacts (e.g. bone, antler, ivory, teeth)
  • determination of the skeletal element and body side
  • age and sex determination and examination of potential seasonal indicators
  • intra-site spatial distribution of the bones
  • biometrical studies

 

As up-to-date archaeozoologists we are collaborating closely with an interdisciplinary team of experts (archaeologists, archaeobotanists, geoarchaeologists, paleo-anthropologists and historians) from the Archaeological Service of the Canton of Bern, the Institute of Archaeological Sciences and the Institute of Forensic Medicine/Physical Anthropology at the University of Bern.

To maintain the highest possible standard of our scientific work, Marc Nussbaumer and André Rehazek are supporting the Int. Council for Archaeozoology Protocols for professional conduct.

 

Current projects:

  • Husbandry and food supply in roman and medieval rural settlements. Examples from the sites of Finsterhennen, Jegenstorf, Langenthal and Ostermundigen, Canton of Bern, Switzerland.