Detecting the Seasonal Slaughtering of Domestic Mammals: Inferences from the Detailed Recording of Tooth Eruption and Wear

Abstract

It has been proposed that the detailed recording of tooth eruption and wear (following Grant 1982) could shed light on the evaluation of seasonal slaughtering patterns in medieval domestic pig populations (Ervynck 1997). However, justifiable criticisms have been raised against the methodology proposed, necessitating a review of data obtained and an evaluation of possible methodological biases. The present contribution presents an attempt to deal with the problems outlined on a theoretical basis, and uses a number of case studies to elucidate the methodological problems involved. The results of the analysis indicate that the reliability of the Grant method could well differ per species, most probably including fewer inherent problems for domestic pigs than for sheep (and cattle).

Keywords:

• ZOOARCHAEOLOGY
• SEASONALITY SLAUGHTERING PATTERNS
• DOMESTIC MAMMALS
• TOOTH DEVELOPMENT