Analysis of nonhuman remains found at the Winchester site
Date
2023
DOI
Authors
Scialdone Méndez, Claudia
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The present research examined the nonhuman skeletal remains associated with anatomized human skeletal remains in Winchester, MA. Previous research indicated the use of animals for anatomical teaching, including but not limited to, the remains found at the sites of Holden Chapel, Ashmolean Museum, London Hospital Burial, and Medical College of Georgia. The present research consists of analyzed the faunal skeletal remains, including taxonomic identification, quantification, aging, and bone modification. The assemblage consisted of 1444 nonhuman remains, making up 9.5% of the total identified Winchester Site skeletal sample. The most represented species were dog (Canis familiaris), cat (Felis catus), and brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). The sample also included cattle (Bos taurus), pig (Sus scrofa), goat/sheep (Ovis aries/Capra hircus), macaque (Macaca sp.), European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), chicken (Gallus gallus), turtle (Testudines), and oyster (Ostreida). Sharp force trauma is present on 1.14% of the remains, providing evidence of food butchery and dissection. Taphonomic alterations from burial included green copper oxide staining, brown soil staining, and the presence of plant roots in the assemblage. The nonhuman sample consisted of a total Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI) of 36, and the long bones represented most of the Minimum Animal Units (MAU). The identified species were used for diverse purposes, including medical training and food, with macaque, turtle, cat, and dog used for comparative anatomy.