FIRST DATA ON ANIMAL EXPLOITAITION IN FUNJ SULTANATE. Kingdom of Dongola, Sudan (16TH ‐17TH century)

AbstractThe scientific importance of the archaeozoological study of 16th–17th century faunal materials from Old Dongola in Sudan cannot be overstated in view of it being the only regular project of its kind on post ‐medieval material from Sudan to date. The results highlight the dynamics of the socio‐political transformation taking place at this time. From the point of view of the economy domestic cattle was the most important species and there are certain indications in favor of long‐distance trade foll owing mainly a north–south vector and taking advantage of the old early Makurian forts. The archaeozoological data reflect the presence of large homogeneous populations of short‐horned cattle resembling the varieties kept in Meroitic times. Small ruminants held an important place in local consum ption patterns and new species, the camel and the domestic chicken, gained a place for themselves in this period. A much more extensive use of wild game—birds, reptiles and species of catfish—also distinguished the economy of 16th–17th century Dongola.
Source: International Journal of Osteoarchaeology - Category: Science Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research