From sacred symbolism to luxury display and consumption: the peacock in medieval Catalonia. Data from zooarchaeological, iconographic and literary evidences.

We present the study of the remains of this animal together with that of the other birds recovered from the same excavation. In addition, by referring to iconographic and litera ry sources, some reflections are made on the species in Catalonia in medieval times. The interpretation of the remains could range from a symbolic religious use of the animal to a more profane one, as an element of identification of social status and economic ostentation, in the field of gastronomy or as an ornamental animal. The study of the remains and their archaeological context seem to support this last hypothesis.
Source: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology - Category: Science Authors: Tags: SPECIAL ISSUE PAPER Source Type: research