A further consideration of neolithic dogs with special reference to a skeleton from Grime's Graves (Norfolk), England

A total of 15 dog skulls and a number of bones have been discovered in two burial chambers dating from 1,000 BC in the necropolises of the Van-Yoncatepe Castle in eastern Turkey. The finds were a dog skeleton in burial chamber M5 and 14 dog skulls and plenty of bones in burial chamber M6. It was determined on examination that the skeleton found in burial chamber M5 was an 11-12-year female dog, and that the skulls unearthed from burial chamber M6 belonged to dogs with an age range of seven to eight months to 12-13 years. In the latter chamber, however, except for one skull whose sex could not be determined, one was ascertained to belong to a female dog and the rest to males. Calculations of 20 different indices and ratios were made on the skulls. This showed that these skulls were of the dolichocephalic type. It was observed that there were signs of a widespread periodontal disease and alveolar recession. Enamel hypoplasia and abscess chambers detected on the teeth, and deformations observed in the hard palate were evidence enough to suggest that these were undernourished dogs. There were also some facial fractures, which were noticed to have occurred before death. On the other hand, examination carried out on the bones revealed that the dogs were of medium size, and that they were likely to have had a withers height of 50-55 cm. The data obtained from both the burial chambers brought to light the fact that these dogs were more of the hunting or working types.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Skeletal remains of dogs unearthed from the Van‐Yoncatepe necropolises

Onar

Armutak

Belli

et al. 2002

“…In providing morphometric data for cats from Medieval Novgorod and Tver, I did not use a comparison with modern breeds. Breeds, especially in cats, are an ephemeral and artificial product of selection by man for characters that are seldom reflected in the skeleton (unless they are extravagantly developed), but relate more to the external appearance and temperament, neither of which can be retained in the archaeological record (Burleigh, Clutton‐Brock, Felder, & de Sieveking, ). Nevertheless, some comparison is necessary to better envision the cat constitution.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study of the medieval domestic cats from Novgorod with reference to cats from medieval Tver (Russia; 10–14 centuries)

Zinoviev

2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of cats in the medieval Russian cities of Novgorod and Tver (Russia). Based on the unique osteological collection of 251 feline bones from layers of 10–14 centuries AD, research revealed the prevalence of the “classical” slightly dolichocephalic animals of a smaller size compared to modern domestic cats. Larger specimens are rare, most likely representing wild cats or castrates.

“…In providing morphometrics data for dogs from Medieval Novgorod, we used comparison with modern breeds. Of course, a breed is an ephemeral and artificial product of selection by man for characters that are seldom reflected in the skeleton (unless they are extravagantly developed) but relate more to the external appearance and temperament, neither of which can be retained in the archaeological record (Burleigh et al ., 1977). Nevertheless, this comparison helps for better envision of the dog conformation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…No other domestic animal has received so much attention in revealing its origin, evolution and trends of domestication as dog (Smith, 1840; Studer, 1901; Hauck, 1950; Clutton‐Brock, 1963, 1984; Fiennes & Fiennes, 1970; Morey, 1992; Serpell, 1995; Vila & Maldonado, 1999, etc.). Although the early evolution of the dog is of the greatest interest due to the rarity of osseous material (Degerbol, 1961; Harcourt, 1974; Burleigh et al ., 1977; Nobis, 1979; Benecke, 1987; Clark, 1995; Clark, 1997; Crockford & Pye, 1997; Ovodov, 1998; Shigehara et al ., 1998; Kasparov, 2000; Bazalinskiy & Savelyev, 2003), more numerous canine remains from Iron Age, antiquity and medieval times are also important for understanding long‐term interactions of man and dog. While the mentioned time span is quite well covered by studies in Western Europe and some adjacent regions (Harcourt, 1974; Wijngaarden‐Bakker & Ijzereff, 1977; Peters, 1997; Galik, 1998; Brewer et al ., 2002; Onar et al ., 2002; Onar & Belli, 2005; Janeczek et al ., 2008), analysis of corresponding osteological material from vast areas of European and Asiatic Russia is largely wanting.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study of the medieval dogs from novgorod, Russia (X–XIV century)

Zinoviev

2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of dogs in medieval Novgorod. Based on the unique osteological collection of canine bones from layers of 10th to 14th centuries AD, research showed that the 'classical' medium-sized mesocephalic animals were the most widespread in the city in the discussed times. Well suitable for the alarm guarding, they were rarely used for food or skins. Smaller and larger specimens are rare and most likely represent the luxury breeds of upper classes or prosperous citizens.