From Bones to Insights: Identifying, Analyzing, and Applying Faunal Data in Archaeological Research [Deeper Digs]
This seminar is intended for archaeologists at any career stage who want to learn the fundamentals of zooarchaeological identification and how to incorporate zooarchaeology into broader research projects. While faunal identifications can vary by region, we will cover the basics of identifying major animal classes—such as mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish—in ways that can be applied across different contexts. We will also discuss key distinctions between human and non-human animal remains. The seminar will provide an overview of the main research questions that zooarchaeology can address and offer guidance on integrating zooarchaeological methods into larger projects. This will include a review of excavation and laboratory procedures that ensure the effective recovery and analysis of animal remains.