Assumptions and Protocol of the Taxonomic Identification of Faunal Remains in Zooarchaeology: a North American Perspective

Lyman, R. Lee

doi:10.1007/s10816-019-09414-0

Cited by 28 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 153 publications

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“…As discussed above, distal tibiae, despite being easily recognisable to skeletal element, are among the least reliable elements for caprine taxonomic identification (Wolfhagen & Price, ). Furthermore, although methods are designed to be as quantitative as possible, there is almost always a certain degree of inherent interobserver error (Lyman & VanPool, ), including not only in observations where actual measurements are taken (Zeder & Lapham, ) but also in cases where the morphological methods rely on qualitative assessments of shape, prominence, and degree (Lyman, ).…”

Section: Discussion Conclusion and Future Directionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although there are numerous sources of interobserver error, analyst experience in particular has been shown to affect higher level species identification (Lyman, ), and K. J. G. and P. R.‐C., though both experienced zooarchaeologists, have a difference in experience on the order of decades.…”

Section: Morphological Identificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two standard (Von Den Dreisch, 1976) and three new measurements were taken of the distal tibiae ( (Zeder & Lapham, 2010) but also in cases where the morphological methods rely on qualitative assessments of shape, prominence, and degree (Lyman, 2019).…”

Section: Standard and New Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Separating caprine (Capra/Ovis) distal tibiae: A case study from the Polish Neolithic

Gron

Rowley‐Conwy

Jensen

et al. 2019

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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Distinguishing the skeletal remains of sheep (Ovis aries) from goats (Capra hircus) is a fundamental and habitual problem in zooarchaeology. Such a distinction is desirable because the taxa can be raised to serve variable purposes, are behaviourally different and are biologically dissimilar; all factors influencing their role in past human economies. Although considerable effort has been spent exploring various methods for their distinction in the Near East, in the Mediterranean world, and in modern populations, the rarity of Neolithic caprines north of the Alps has meant that distinction has not been attempted on any systematic basis. In this study, we present the first attempt to do so, using one of the more problematic elements, the distal tibia, to investigate the caprine remains from Racot 18, Poland, a settlement of the Neolithic Late Lengyel culture. The assemblage is characterised by an unusual proportion of caprines, and ZooMS results indicate relative parity in numbers of sheep and goats. Standard and new biometrics and morphological identifications were also applied. Morphological identifications did not reliably distinguish the taxa. Nonetheless, both standard and new biometrics demonstrate significant size differences between the taxa in this assemblage. This study represents the first step required of establishing effective criteria for differentiation of caprines in Neolithic Poland and by extension other Neolithic contexts north of the Alps.

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Section: Discussion Conclusion and Future Directionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Morphological Identificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Separating caprine (Capra/Ovis) distal tibiae: A case study from the Polish Neolithic

Gron

Rowley‐Conwy

Jensen

et al. 2019

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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“…This suggestion follows one made by Lawrence (1973) to create and maintain a hard copy of such a thing—a suggestion not followed due to, as Lawrence recognized, its impracticality. The suggestion of an online database was made more recently by Barr (2008), and it should now be both possible and practical (see also Lyman 2019).…”

Section: Identification Protocols: Best Practices and Examining Successmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Beyond the well-acknowledged problem that limited access to sufficient comparative materials can significantly reduce identification accuracy (see references in Lyman 2019), Driver described the key issue as an assumption that the methods and anatomical traits used “for identification are sufficiently well tested that one does not need to justify most identifications, except in relatively rare circumstances” (Driver 1992:39). Importantly, he noted that “we do not systematically test the quality of our identifications using ‘blind’ tests.…”

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confidence: 99%

Blind Testing of Faunal Identification Protocols: A Case Study with North American Artiodactyl Stylohyoids

2020

Self Cite

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Taxonomic identification of archaeofauna relies on techniques and anatomical traits that should be valid, reliable, and usable, but which are rarely tested. Identification protocols (techniques and anatomical traits), particularly those used to distinguish taxa of similar size and morphology, should be rigorously tested to ensure a solid interpretive foundation. Blind testing of a protocol for identifying stylohyoid bones of North American artiodactyls was performed by three analysts who independently employed the protocol to identify 77 anatomically complete specimens of known taxonomic identity, representing 54 individuals and 11 species. Identifications were identical in 89% of cases and in conflict in 3% of cases. The remainder involved differences in resolution; two analysts identified specimens to species, whereas the third identified specimens to more general taxonomic groups. Inter-analyst variability in identification was a result of differences in protocol application. Identifications were consistent with known taxon in 92%–96% of cases. Results indicate that the protocol is valid, reliable, and usable, and it can be applied to archaeological specimens with confidence. Testing of other identification criteria employed by zooarchaeologists is encouraged.

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Identifying marsupials from Australian archaeological sites: current methodological challenges and opportunities in zooarchaeological practice

Mein

Manne

2021

Archaeology in Oceania

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We review current zooarchaeological practice in Australia, identifying major research themes and key methodological gaps where opportunities exist for the development of Australian zooarchaeology as a discipline. We demonstrate that marsupial remains form a significant component of Australian zooarchaeological assemblages, yet high resolution taxonomic identification of these remains continues to prove challenging, owing to a combination of high species diversity and few resources which provide diagnostic criteria for discriminating morphologically similar, but ecologically variable taxa. The lack of robust protocols for discriminating marsupial taxa significantly impacts our ability to effectively integrate zooarchaeological data into broader narratives of Aboriginal colonisation, resilience and adaptation across Australia. Publication of identification protocols would help refine and standardise diagnostic criteria used between analysts, improve the methodological transparency of zooarchaeological analysis and provide resources for the training of a new generation of specialists. A range of opportunities currently exist, utilising qualitative and quantitative techniques, to significantly contribute towards the methodological robustness of zooarchaeological practice in Australia.

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Assumptions and Protocol of the Taxonomic Identification of Faunal Remains in Zooarchaeology: a North American Perspective

Cited by 28 publications

References 153 publications

Separating caprine (Capra/Ovis) distal tibiae: A case study from the Polish Neolithic

Separating caprine (Capra/Ovis) distal tibiae: A case study from the Polish Neolithic

Blind Testing of Faunal Identification Protocols: A Case Study with North American Artiodactyl Stylohyoids

Identifying marsupials from Australian archaeological sites: current methodological challenges and opportunities in zooarchaeological practice

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