ZOOARCHAEOLOGY FIELD COURSE 2011

July 16-20, 2011*
Kaman-Kalehöyük, Kırşehir, Turkey
Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology
Application Deadline: November 26, 2010
For further information, please contact: Mrs. Deniz Erbişim
Phone: +90 312 442 7216
E-mail: tokyoatjiaa-kaman.org

Course Description:

Zooarchaeology is the study of hard tissues (bones, teeth, antler, and horns) in non-human animals excavated from archaeological sites. The intensive field course introduces the basic tenets of zooarchaeology and gives students hands-on training and the ability to identify, document, analyze, interpret, and report archaeological animal bone assemblages. The integrated lectures and labs address theoretical, methodological, and analytical issues that are significant in designing and carrying out zooarchaeological research.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the field course, the student will have learned how to:

Course Settings:

Kaman-Kalehöyük is an ongoing archaeological excavation in Central Turkey. Archaeofaunal assemblages have been meticulously excavated, collected, and documented at the site since 1986. The field course does not only provide students with a unique opportunity to learn about the study of animal remains, but also to interact with highly dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international team. Students will have an opportunity to excavate at the site if conditions permit.

Instructor:

Levent Atici, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Archaeology, Director of Zooarchaeology Laboratory
Department of Anthropology
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy Mail Stop 455003, Las Vegas, NV 89154 USA
Levent.Aticiatunlv.edu

Costs:

$250 course fee (includes food and lodging; students are expected to pay for their travel to Kaman, Kirsehir, Turkey)

Prerequisites:

Applicants must have proficiency in English to be able to follow the lectures and to interact with other students.

To Apply:

Candidates will submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of intent to Levent.Aticiatunlv.edu
In the letter,please summarize your areas of interest, experience, future research directions, and how you could benefit from the field school.

Course Schedule:

Day 1. July 16, 2011
  1. Arrival in Kaman
  2. Orientation to JAAE and facilities
  3. Introduction to the field course
  4. A visit to the site
Day 2. July 17, 2011
SUBJECT 1:
INTRODUCTION TO ZOOARCHAEOLOGY
(Lecture 1: 6:00 a.m.-7:30 a.m.)
  1. What is zooarchaeology? Its goals, methods, and contributions to archaeology

SUBJECT 2:
INTRODUCTION TO SKELETONS
(Lecture 2: 8:00 -9:30 a.m.)
  • Biology of hard tissues : Bones, antlers, horns, and teeth
  • Skeleton in vertebrates
  • Directional terminology
SUBJECT 3:
IDENTIFICATION OF SKELETONS
(Lab 1: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)
  • Cranial skeleton
  • Teeth
  • Independent study (5:00-10:00 p.m.)
Day 3. July 18, 2011
SUBJECT 3:
CONTINUED
(Lab 2: 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)
  • Vertebral column
  • Thorax
  • Pectoral/Shoulder girdle
  • Fore limbs
  • Pelvic girdle
  • Hind limbs
  • Extremities
  • Bird, fish, and reptile skeletons
  • Independent study (5:00-10:00 p.m.)
Day 4.July 19, 2011
SUBJECT 4:
AGING AND SEXING
(Lecture 3: 6:00-7:30 a.m.; Lab 3: 8:00-10:30 a.m.)
  • Aging: epiphyseal fusión and dental eruption and wear
  • Sexing: morphology and size
  • Osteometry: taking and using measurements
SUBJECT 5:
TAPHONOMY
(Lecture 4: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; Lab 4: 12:30-2:00 p.m.)
  • Understanding the nature of the archaeological record and archaeofaunal assemblages
  • Bone accumulating, modifying, and destroying agents
  • Independent study (5:00-10:00 p.m.)
Day 5. July 20, 2011
SUBJECT 6:
FAUNAL ANALYSIS AND QUANTITATIVE ZOOARCHAEOLOGY
(Lecture 5: 6:00 – 7:30 a.m.; Lab 5: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.)
  • What, how, and why to count? The basic quantification units and statistics in zooarchaeology. A blueprint for faunal analysis
  • What and how and why to analyze and report: publishing data
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