Gaining traction on cattle exploitation: Zooarchaeological evidence from the Neolithic Western Balkans

Authors: Gaastra, J.S., Greenfield, H.J. and Linden, M.V.

Journal: Antiquity

Volume: 92

Issue: 366

Pages: 1429-1444

ISSN: 0003-598X

DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2018.178

Abstract:

The study of the exploitation of animals for traction in prehistoric Europe has been linked to the 'secondary products revolution'. Such an approach, however, leaves little scope for identification of the less specialised exploitation of animals for traction during the European Neolithic. This study presents zooarchaeological evidence - in the form of sub-pathological alterations to cattle foot bones - for the exploitation of cattle for the occasional pulling of heavy loads, or 'light' traction. The analysis and systematic comparison of material from 11 Neolithic sites in the Western Balkans (c. 6100-4500 cal BC) provides the earliest direct evidence for the use of cattle for such a purpose.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/33612/

Source: Scopus

Gaining traction on cattle exploitation: zooarchaeological evidence from the Neolithic Western Balkans

Authors: Gaastra, J.S., Greenfield, H.J. and Vander Linden, M.

Journal: ANTIQUITY

Volume: 92

Issue: 366

Pages: 1462-1477

eISSN: 1745-1744

ISSN: 0003-598X

DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2018.178

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/33612/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Gaining traction on cattle exploitation: zooarchaeological evidence from the western Balkan Neolithic (6000-4500 cal BC).

Authors: Gaastra, J., Greenfield, H. and Vander Linden, M.

Journal: Antiquity: a quarterly review of archaeology

Volume: 92

Issue: 366

Pages: 1462-1477

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

ISSN: 0003-598X

DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2018.178

Abstract:

This study examines sub-pathological alterations to cattle foot bones from eleven central and western Balkan Neolithic sites (c.61/6000 to 4500 cal BC). Systematic comparisons of bone remodelling in those elements shown to be most directly affected by traction is used to determine the potential use of cattle as engines across this region throughout the period. This study provides the earliest direct evidence for the use of cattle for light traction, long before the hard usage pathological evidence previously observed

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/33612/

Source: Manual

Gaining traction on cattle exploitation: zooarchaeological evidence from the western Balkan Neolithic (6000-4500 cal BC).

Authors: Gaastra, J., Greenfield, H. and Vander Linden, M.

Journal: Antiquity: a quarterly review of archaeology

Volume: 92

Issue: 366

Pages: 1462-1477

ISSN: 0003-598X

Abstract:

This study examines sub-pathological alterations to cattle foot bones from eleven central and western Balkan Neolithic sites (c.61/6000 to 4500 cal BC). Systematic comparisons of bone remodelling in those elements shown to be most directly affected by traction is used to determine the potential use of cattle as engines across this region throughout the period. This study provides the earliest direct evidence for the use of cattle for light traction, long before the hard usage pathological evidence previously observed.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/33612/

Source: BURO EPrints