Eggshell and the archaeological record: new insights into turkey husbandry in the American Southwest |
| |
Authors: | E Bradley Beacham Stephen R Durand |
| |
Institution: | 1. Taschek Environmental Consulting, 1155 South Telshor Blvd., Suite 204, Las Cruces, NM 88011, USA;2. Department of Anthropology & Applied Archaeology, Station 3, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM 88130, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Eggshell in the archaeological record has interpretive potential beyond simple species identification. Structural features of eggshell itself indicate the degree of development of the embryo. Using a scanning electron microscope, a reference collection of modern eggshell characteristics has been produced that can be used for species determination and for the assessment of embryo development of prehistoric eggshell. We apply this technique to a sample of prehistoric eggshell from northwestern New Mexico and conclude that purposeful breeding of captive turkey populations is present during the 12th century AD. These preliminary results suggest a behavioral shift in turkey husbandry, concomitant with the well documented phenomenon of intensified turkey utilization after about AD 1100 in the American Southwest. |
| |
Keywords: | Turkey Eggshell Animal domestication Southwest USA Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) |
本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录! |
|