Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Subsistence patterns'

An expansive spatio-temporal approach is used to pattern variations in exploitation of faunal resources at 14 mainland coastal, island, and pericoastal sites with occupations spanning nearly 10,000 years. These sites are arrayed along 500 miles (6 degrees of latitude) of the Central and Southern California coast. An allometric method for estimating faunal biomass is used along with chronological sequences of abundance indices to explore the nature ofthe initial maritime adaptation to the West Coast ofNorth America and changes to this economic strategy over time. Data reveal that throughout prehistorY, California's coastal hunter-gatherers obtained the majority oftheir animal protein from large quantities ofmarine shellfish while vertebrate taxa played a lesser role in the diet. Unexpectedly, however, consumption ofall types of animal flesh, especially the chiefresource (shellfish), declined severely over time. This suggests that: (1) non-trivial dietary changes were \videspread along the entire coast and persisted throughout the Holocene; and (2) major lifeway adaptations involving lesser use of animal protein became the norm throughout prehistory as coastal settlements grew and populations expanded. Although several causal theories are discussed, it appears that ecological changes marking the Late PleistoceneIHolocene transition are the likely root ofthe observed dietary changes. Based on these data, the Paleocoastal colonisers ofthe California coast subsisted on a diet rich in animal protein compatible with a Pleistocene environment and were more 'maritime' than later prehistoric groups based 0t:I their more intensive use ofmarine fauna. Post- Paleocoastal populations subsisted on less animal protein in a pattern consistent with the adoption ofa more carbohydrate-focused diet incorporating resources increasingly available in the emergent Holocene and the more southern latitudes. Scenarios presupposing increasingly intensive exploitation ofmarine mammals and fish over time fostered by technological or cultural elaboration are not supported by the dietary data.

Beginning about A.D. 1250, the Zuni area of New Mexico witnessed a massive population aggregation in which the inhabitants of hundreds of widely dispersed villages relocated to a small number of large, architectecturally planned pueblos. Over the next century, 27 of these pueblos were constructed, occupied briefly, and then abandoned. Another dramatic settlement shift occurred about A. D. 1400, when the locus of population moved west to the "Cities of Cibola" discovered by Coronado in 1540. Keith Kintigh demonstrates how changing agricultural strategies and developing mechanisms of social integration contributed to these population shifts. In particular, he argues that occupants of the earliest large pueblos relied on runoff agriculture, but that gradually spring-and river-fed irrigation systems were adopted. Resultant strengthening of the mechanisms of social integration allowed the increased occupational stability of the protohistorical Zuni towns.

This study investigates the isotopic signatures of human skeletal remains that were recovered from several sites along the coast and inland in the north-central Patagonian region of Argentina. Human skeletal remains, dating from 2500 BP through the early historic period, are examined to determine the relative significance of terrestrial and aquatic food resources and subsequently, the extent to which coastal food resources were exploited by indigenous Argentinians. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes contained within human bone collagen and apatite are measured quantitatively to determine the relative significance of marine and terrestrial foods. This study, one of the first isotopic studies of indigenous diet on the Atlantic coast of Argentina, is significant because it provides initial results to be used for the reconstruction of aboriginal subsistence patterns prior to and after European contact.

Dental annuli analyses were performed on 170 ringed seal (Phoca hispida) canines recovered from five Thule semisubterranean houses located at site PaJs-13 at Hazard Inlet, Somerset Island in the central Canadian Arctic. Season of death results indicate greater seal hunting during the spring. Age at death results were used to produce mortality profiles which, when compared with idealized patterns, revealed a prime-dominated pattern indicating the presence of some selective factor in the subsistence strategy. Based on ethnographical studies of traditional seal hunting techniques, conscious selection was eliminated as a factor. Biological studies of ringed seal demonstrate that during the spring, older, sexually mature seals, occupy breeding areas in stable fast ice formations located close to the coast in complex coastal areas. Younger immature seals, on the other hand, occupy areas of unstable pack ice formations either further from the shore in complex coastal areas, or along simple coastlines. The archaeological mortality patterns do not clearly resemble either complex or simple coast modern populations, although a trend toward simple coasts was observed. This observation is consistent with the site location, which allows greater access to pack ice formations. The appearance of selective biological factors affecting random human subsistence strategies indicates that caution must be utilized when interpreting mortality patterns.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, Dept. of Anthropology, 2006.
"Title from dissertation home page (viewed July 9, 2007)." Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-08, Section: A, page: 3039. Adviser: Geoffrey W. Conrad.

Una discusión clásica en la actual investigación paleoantropológica reside en identificar las similitudes y diferencias entre los comportamientos y modo de vida de neandertales y humanos anatómicamente modernos. El análisis de los patrones de subsistencia es un elemento clave, ya que el modo en que ambas especies explotaron los recursos animales aporta datos sobre la dieta y el modo de adquisición de las presas, pero a la vez conlleva implicaciones que conforman diferencias entre los modos de vida de ambas especies. Tradicionalmente, la comparación entre las estrategias de subsistencia de neandertales y H.sapiens se ha articulado en torno a dos visiones opuestas, una que caracteriza la organización neandertal como limitada e inferior frente a otra corriente en la que se señala que las diferencias entre ambas especies no son tan marcadas. En los últimos años, las hipótesis que sugerían una incapacidad de los grupos neandertales para el desarrollo de técnicas cinegéticas activas y abocados al carroñeo de carcasas de animales de gran tamaño han ido perdiendo fuerza y se han visto refutadas por investigaciones y estudios tafonómicos más exhaustivos, que sugieren escasas diferencias entre las capacidades cinegéticas de ambas especies. El objetivo de esta tesis está enfocado a la una interpretación de los patrones de subsistencia en un yacimiento concreto, Cova Gran de Santa Linya (Lleida), en el cual se han estudiado los conjuntos zooarqueológicos recuperados en niveles de Paleolítico medio final y Paleolítico superior bien contextualizados, a fin de interpretar las estrategias de subsistencia de los últimos grupos neandertales y comparar sus técnicas con las desarrolladas por los humanos modernos. La metodología planteada en este estudio se centra en el análisis tafonómico del material óseo. En este sentido, los aspectos tratados abarcan la descripción taxonómica, representación esquelética y perfiles de mortandad de cada especie, el análisis de los patrones de fractura y el reconocimiento de modificaciones óseas a fin de identificar los agentes responsables de la acumulación del conjunto. Los resultados obtenidos muestran el importante papel de los procesos post-deposicionales en la modificación y conservación del conjunto. No obstante, los indicadores de fractura en fresco, así como las modificaciones relacionadas con la fracturación intencional de los restos óseos y marcas de corteseñalan que los conjuntos son resultado de las actividades antrópicas. Los conjuntos atribuidos al Paleolítico medio caracterizarían las estrategias de subsistencia neandertales como basadas en la adquisición de mamíferos de talla mediana (ciervos) y grandes o muy grandes (équidos y grandes bóvidos). Los perfiles esqueléticos señalarían el transporte preferencial de extremidades al abrigo, con un dominio de elementos de alto contenido cárnico y tuetano. Estos indicadores se podrían relacionar con una plena capacidad neandertal para la caza activa, con un acceso a partes anatómicas de elevado valor nutricional. En los conjuntos asignados al Paleolítico superior inicial se observa un cambio en el tipo de presas adquiridas: mientras que los cérvidos siguen estando representados, desciende la abundancia de los équidos y se aprecia un aumento de animales de talla media- pequeña (cabra), escasamente representada en los niveles Musterienses. Las conclusiones alcanzadas muestran un cambio en las estrategias de subsistencia desarrolladas por neandertales y humanos modernos, que solo parece identificarse a nivel regional, y que se basa en diferencias en el tipo de presas adquiridas. Este cambio coincide con lo observado en la industria lítica, por lo que podría relacionarse con una variación en el tipo de tácticas cinegéticas empleadas por cada una de estas especies.
A classical discussion on current paleoanthopological research deals with the identification of similarities and differences between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans' behaviour and lifeways. A key point on these discussions is the analysis of subsistence patterns, which provides information about diet and prey acquisition techniques, but also implies inferences regarding both species' behaviour. Traditionally, the comparison between Neanderthals and H.sapiens subsistence strategies is being approach through two diverse views, the former defining Neanderthal organization as limited and inferior, opposite to researches that do not point out remarkable differences between both species. Recently, hypothesis suggesting Neanderthal groups were unable to undertake active hunting techniques and therefore representatives of an obligate scavenging of large mammals have been dismissed by new and more detailed zooarchaeological and taphonomical researches, suggesting scarce differences on the capacities of both species. This thesis is focused on the interpretation of subsistence patterns in Cova Gran de Santa Linya (Lleida). We have analysed Middle Palaeolithic-early Upper Palaeolithic levels bone assemblages precisely contextualized, in order to make inferences about the subsistence strategies of last Neanderthals groups and compare them with those developed by modern humans at the North-eastern Iberian Peninsula. The methods applied focused on the taphonomical analysis of bone material. We have analysed the taxonomic composition, skeletal representation, mortality patterns and bone modifications in order to identify the accumulator agent of these assemblages. Our results show the important role played by post-depositional processes on the modification and preservation of the assemblage. Nevertheless, fresh fractures indicators and cortical modifications related to intentional breakage of bones to access their marrow content, as well as cutmarks, suggest these assemblages are the result of anthropic activities. Middle Paleolithic bone assemblages characterize Neanderthal subsistence strategies as based on the acquisition of medium size (red deer) and large or very large (equids and large bovids) mammals. Skeletal representation suggest the transport of limb elelment to the site, with a dominion of high nutrients content elements. These indicators could be related to Neanderthals full active hunting capacities, with an access to high value anatomical parts. Early Upper Palaeolithic assemblages show a change in the type of preys acquired. Cervids are well represented yet, but there is a decrease of equid elements abundance while increasing the quantity of small size animals (mainly goat), scarcely documented on Musterian archaeological levels. Our conclusions suggest a change on Neanderthals and modern humans subsistence strategies, most obvious at a regional than European scale, and based on differences in the size of preyed mammals. This change is similar to what the discontinuity described on lithic technology, which could suggest a variation between Neanderthals and modern humans hunting strategies.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2006.
Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 522-541). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2003.
Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 689-733). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

The study uses the conventional economic approaches to savings behaviour as a point of departure. In the past, agricultural programmes and policies overlooked the importance of savings mobilization in favour of credit extension programmes. This line of economic development approach arose from the assumption that poor rural people cannot save and will not respond to opportunities to save. The latest research results clearly demonstrate that rural people do mobilise significant voluntary savings, even at their low levels of income. The thrust of the study was to research savings behaviour and motivation to save by resource poor farmers, with specific reference to farmers in Moretele District, Northwest Province. The study tested the hypothesis that poor people cannot save, and went further to analyse determinants of savings behaviour, motivations to save, sources of savings mobilization, savings accounts used and motivations to use a specific savings product. The application of the life cycle hypothesis was also analysed. Linear multiple regression, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique, analysis of variance (ANOV A), and factor analysis (FA) were used to analyse the data pertinent to the study. The findings of the study confirmed income as a major determinant of savings mobilization in the district. The extent of dependency, defined as the proportion of the population of a country falling in the age groups of 0-15 and 64 years and older, considered economically unproductive and therefore not counted as part of the country's labour force was found to have a negative effect on the ability of farmers to save. This is due to large family sizes and high levels of dependency in households. Age was also discovered to influence savings behaviour, but not in accordance with the application of the life cycle hypothesis. With regards to motivations to save, it was found that farmers in the district mainly save to cater for emergencies and for grandchildren's education, and not for accumulation/investment purposes. In addition to the abovementioned savings motives, farmers were however found to consider an investment imperative as reflected by an interaction between savings for accumulation and emergency purposes. The low investment imperative may change if other emergency management structures are considered. The main sources of savings mobilization for the farmers were income from livestock sales and government social security grant (government old age pension). These farmers were discovered to prefer ordinary savings plans. The rationale for this choice was found to be motivated by ease of quick access to savings and the liquidity provided by this savings product. The liquidity requirement is regarded as a strategy to address emergencies and any other financial need that might arise. The findings of the study calls for policy instruments that will expedite the implementation of outreach programmes and strategies for voluntary savings mobilization that will cater for investment imperative and emergency needs. Critical to this will be the development of savings products that respond to the various needs of resource poor farmers as well as to serve different categories of rural savers. The decentralization of savings institutions and linking of formal and informal financial institutions will enhance access to financial services by the rural population. Policies intended to discourage large families would help reduce the high rates of dependencies and relieve pressure on household income, which could be used for savings.
Dissertation (MSc (Agricultural Economics))--University of Pretoria, 2007.
Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
unrestricted

This study examines subsistence-settlement systems and residential mobility of prehistoric Jomon hunter-gatherers in Japan. Raw data were collected from Moroiso Phase (ca. 5000 B.P.) sites of the Early Jomon Period in the Kanto and Chubu regions. Many archaeologists have assumed that the Jomon people were sedentary inhabitants of large villages, occupied throughout the year. However, recent developments in Jomon studies suggest that we must reevaluate the assumption of Jomon sedentism. In this study, Moroiso Phase settlement patterns, including intersite lithic assemblage variability, site size and site location, are examined in the context of an ethnographic model of hunter-gatherer subsistence-settlement systems. The results indicate that the Moroiso Phase settlement patterns correspond very closely to those of hunter-gatherers who are relatively sedentary but move their residential bases seasonally. Changes of settlement patterns over time within the Moroiso Phase are also examined, and the results are explained in relation to changes in the natural environment.

A introdução da agricultura tem sido reconhecida como uma das mais importantes mudanças no modo de vida da humanidade. Indicadores osteológicos e dentais são utilizados pela arqueologia para avaliar mudanças no padrão subsistencial associado com alterações na organização social. No entanto, a multiplicidade de meio-ambientes e a grande variabilidade dos processos culturais, tornam a reconstrução de subsistência um assunto complexo. Assim, ainda não é clara a caracterização dos perfis paleopatológicos dentários de populações com estratégias mistas de obtenção de recursos alimentares. Neste trabalho avaliam-se, desde uma perspectiva comparativa, mudanças e continuidades de indicadores paleopatológicos orais (cárie dental, doença periodontal e padrões de desgaste dental) de quatro populações assentadas no litoral dos Andes Centrais. Três das populações pertencem ao Período Formativo (2500-1 a.C), durante o qual se acredita ter ocorrido o início da agricultura e a complexificação social. A quarta população assume o papel de grupo controle, uma vez que pertence ao Período de Desenvolvimentos Regionais Tardios (PDRT,1000-1440 d.C), caracterizado pelo auge do desenvolvimento agrícola e uma organização social hierarquizada. Estes quatro grupos prestam-se bem a testes de hipótese sobre qual o impacto que mudanças alimentares causam na dentição, pois a subsistência do primeiro e do último deles é bem conhecida. Assim, o grupo mais antigo constitui-se de pescadores-horticultores, enquanto o último é formado por agricultores plenos. Os demais grupos apresentam subsistência intermediária. Testam-se seis hipóteses, que, com o aumento do desenvolvimento agrícola acarretariam em: 1) um incremento na freqüência e prevalência de cárie e AMTL; 2) um aumento na velocidade de desenvolvimento das lesões de cárie; 3) uma mudança na localização de cáries (de oclusais para extra-oclusais); 4) um incremento na prevalência e gravidade da doença periodontal; 5) uma diminuição do desgaste dental e 6) a presença de hábitos de mascar coca e consumir chicha no período mais tardio. Como não há diferenças significativas entre as freqüências de lesões cariosas e AMTL entre os grupos, rejeita-se a hipótese 1. Por outro lado, a profundidade da cárie aumenta, assim como se verifica uma mudança de cáries oclusais para extra-oclusais. Entretanto, hipóteses 2 e 3 só podem ser corroboradas levando-se em consideração o desgaste dental. A hipótese 4 foi parcialmente confirmada e finalmente, as hipóteses 5 e 6 foram totalmente confirmadas. Dentre os indicadores estudados, as cáries de dentina e as extra-oclusais são os que refletem de maneira mais confiável a cariogenicidade. Os modelos paleopatológicos inferidos para cada grupo acusam diferenças significativas entre os períodos iniciais (com dietas em trânsito à agricultura) e os dois mais tardios (com dietas predominantemente compostas de vegetais cultivados). Os resultados obtidos são discutidos do ponto de vista biológico e sociocultural, com apoio em dados arqueológicos, etnohistóricos e etnográficos. As diferenças são atribuídas principalmente à mudanças na tecnologia de preparo de alimentos e à introdução de novos produtos e hábitos.
Agriculture has been recognized as one of the most important factors that changed human life style. Osteological and dental markers have been used to evaluate subsistence shifts, paleodiets, technological development and social organization. However, the main problem that persists in reconstructing subsistence in ancient populations is the multiplicity of environments and the great variability of cultural processes. Consequently, the characterization of the dental paleopathological profiles of populations with mixed diet needs further investigation. This thesis aims at comparing the oral pathology among four pre-Columbian groups with different degrees of agricultural and socio-cultural development, but comparable ecological conditions who lived at the coastal desert of Peru. Three of the groups belong to the Formative period (2500-1 BC.), a critical time for understanding the development of agriculture and social complexity, while the fourth group is assigned to the Late Regional Development period (1000-1470 AD), when agriculture had its apogee and society was highly stratified. These groups represent a unique possibility to test hypotheses on the impact of dietary changes on the dentition, since the subsistence pattern of the earliest and latest periods are well known. Accordingly, the first were fisher-horticulturalists, whereas the last one subsisted on a well established irrigation agriculture. The remaining groups presented intermediate paleodietary profiles. Six hypotheses were tested, according to which an increase in agricultural development would lead to: 1) an increment of the frequency and prevalence of carious lesions and antemortem tooth loss (AMTL); 2) an increase in the caries depth; 3) a shift from occlusal to extra-occlusal caries; 4) an increase in the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease; 5) a decrease in dental wear, and, finally 6) the presence of coca chewing and chicha drinking habits in the most recent period. As there are no significant differences between the caries and AMTL frequencies among the groups, hypothesis 1 is rejected. On the other hand, caries depth increases, and there is a shift from occlusal to extra-occlusal caries. Hypotheses 2 and 3, thus, are corroborated, but only if considering dental wear. Finally, hypotheses 4 is partially confirmed, and hypotheses 5 and 6 are completely confirmed. Among the markers studied, dentin and extra-occlusal caries best reflect cariogenicity. The paleopathological profiles inferred for each group show considerable differences between the two initial periods (with incipient agriculture) and the two later periods (with diets based on domesticated plants). The differences seen are attributed mainly to shifts in preparation techniques and the introduction of new, more cariogenic foodstuffs and habits. The results obtained are discussed in the light of biological, sociocultural, archaeological and ethnographic evidences.

Anthropology
Ph.D.
There are four goals to this study. The first is to investigate the diet of prehistoric dogs (Canis familiaris) in the Northeast region of North America using stable isotope analysis. The second goal of this study is to generate independent data concerning the presence or absence of C4 resources, such as maize, in the diets of dogs. Third, this study investigates the use of dog bone as a proxy for human bone in studies assessing the presence of C4 resources at archaeological sites. The fourth goal of this study is to provide a check on existing interpretations of the material, macro- and micro-botanical records as it concerns the presence or absence of C4 resources at the sites involved in this study. Stable isotope analysis is a science that allows the measuring of the abundance ratio of two stable isotopes of a particular element. Stable isotope analysis can differentiate C4 and C3 plants, as well as terrestrial and marine resources in material such as bone where the chemistry of diet becomes recorded. Given the importance of C4 plants to many prehistoric populations, in the absence of direct evidence identifying their presence at archaeological sites, an alternate method for identification is needed. Maize played an important role in changing human behaviors during prehistory including: decisions to increase sedentism, abuse of power structures, and stratification of gender roles within human populations. Additionally, an overall decrease in health is seen in prehistoric populations who focused their subsistence practices on maize. Dogs were chosen as the focus of this study because related research suggests that their diet tends to mimic human diet. Prehistoric dogs were scavengers, but they were also intentionally fed companions. The suggestion that dog diet in some way mimics human diet means that stable isotope ratios from their bone will reflect the type of resources available for consumption by their human counterparts. As such, this investigation may also indirectly inform on the diets of the American Indian inhabitants of the settlements in which these dog remains originate. Thirty samples of dog bone, dating from the Early Ceramic Period, ca. 3000 B.P. to the Late Woodland and Early Historic Period, were obtained from museum and personal collections, and from ongoing archaeological excavations throughout the Northeast region of North America. Stable isotope analysis was conducted at Notre Dame's Center for Environmental Science and Technology. The results of this analysis indicates that these prehistoric dogs consumed the types of resources represented in the archaeological record with one important exception: consumption of C4 resources, possibly maize, was occurring at several sites where no other evidence of C4 exploitation exists. Of the dogs sampled ten were from pre-agricultural sites in Maine and their stable isotope ratios indicated a diet of marine and terrestrial resources. Nineteen dogs were excavated from components dating to the Late Woodland or Historic Period. During the Late Woodland and Historic Period the C4 plant maize was exploited by many human groups in the study region. Interpretation based on stable isotopes from bone collagen indicates that six of these dogs had isotopic signatures within the range of significant C4 resource consumption. Stable isotope ratios from the remaining dogs indicate a smaller contribution of C4 resources to diet. According to 13C ratios from carbonate three dogs, two from New Jersey (DB2, DB8) and one from Maryland (DB11), had a significant C4 plant component to their diet. The remaining Late Woodland and Historic period dogs most likely consumed minor amounts of C4 resources. In addition to identifying C4 resources in the diet of dogs, the value of assessing isotope data from both collagen and carbonate is investigated. The sample size for this study was small in comparison to the size of the region assessed. Despite the small sample size, this analysis contributes to our knowledge of past dog and human subsistence patterns. Our understanding of the utility of stable isotope studies of human companion species has also expanded. In addition to investigating the presence of C4 resources in the diet of prehistoric dogs, this research provides an alternate line of inquiry to re-assess current interpretations, especially in areas where direct evidence of isotopically identifiable C4 plants, such as maize are currently lacking. The results of this study are applicable first and foremost to the consumption patterns of the individual animals sampled. However, that these dogs were consuming particular resources provides at least a clue of what was under consideration by their human counterparts.
Temple University--Theses

Despite an abundance of archaeological material recovered from sites in Island Southeast Asia, the timing and route by which cultigens first arrived in Wallacea remains unclear. Many of the staple crops now grown on these islands were domesticated in mainland Asia, and were deliberately introduced by humans at an unknown point during the Holocene, through several possible routes. In this study, the δ13C, δ15N and δ18O values of subfossil bones and teeth attributed to Sus celebensis and Sus scrofa are analyzed. These materials, which span the last 5160 years at Liang Bua, Flores, Indonesia are used to determine if and when there was a shift towards agricultural intensification, and whether this intensification included the integration of domesticated C4 crops. The δ13C and δ15N values of the bone and dentin collagen samples indicate an abrupt shift towards enrichment in 13C and depletion in 15N at some time between 5160 and 2750 yBP. This hints at changes in human subsistence patterns that may have included the clearing of forests, and the integration of non-endemic C4 cultigens such as foxtail millet (Setaria italica) onto the island. No statistically significant variation in the δ18O values of the enamel carbonate samples over time is observed, suggesting that once they appeared on Flores, semi-domesticated pigs became an important part of the island ecosystem, and were bred and raised on Flores instead of being continuously imported from elsewhere.
M.A.
Masters
Anthropology
Sciences
Anthropology

This thesis investigates Neanderthal lithic technical, subsistence practices and bioclimatic settlement patterns behaviour comparison between two different bioclimatology and biogeografically regions of the Iberian Peninsula - the Cantabrian region to the north, and the Betic region to the south - during the late Pleistocene Period. The principal aim is to test whether or not hominid groups of the same species (Homo neanderthalensis) behave, exploit and occupy their territory in similar or different ways under different environmental conditions. Three different approaches were undertaken to test the proposition. The first was a technological study of eight lithic assemblages from the latest Mousterian levels in the Cantabrian region: Axlor, Esquilleu, Morin, El Castillo; and the Betic region: Abrigo 3, Carihuela, Zafarraya, Gorham ́s Cave, in order to establish whether any distinctive patterns emerge in both areas of study. Subsistence practices, through a study of faunal remains, was the second dataset for this comparative study. A faunal database was constructed from the literature pertaining to Middle Palaeolithic sites in both regions focusing on large and small game, cannibalism practices and evidence for the consumption of plants. The aim is to establish the variability in Neanderthal subsistence behaviour. The third approach was an analysis of settlement patterns through bioclimatic mapping, created by temperature and rainfall climate data from weather stations in both regions. The aim of this work was to explore whether or not Neanderthals inhabited both Cantabrian and Betic regions in different or similar ways. The result of this thesis suggests that Neanderthals reacted to changes in local ecology and climate in similar ways in both study regions, highlighting their great adaptive ability and commonality in their behavioural response.

xxi, 541 p. : ill. (some col.), maps. A print copy of this title is available through the UO Libraries under the call number: KNIGHT E78.O6 O37 2006
Many archaeological researchers that have conducted investigations in the Harney Valley of southeastern Oregon use the ethnographic description of the seasonal round of the Harney Valley Paiute reported by Beatrice Blyth Whiting in her 1950 work Paiute Sorcery as a framework for discussions of prehistoric human use of the area. Archaeological investigations of seven sites, situated in areas identified as having been utilized by the Harvey Valley Paiutes, were conducted to test the relationship between Whiting's ethnographic account and the archaeological record. Data recovery excavations occurred at the Hoyt (35HA2422), Morgan (35HA2423) and Hines (35HA2692) sites near Burns, and test excavations occurred at the Knoll (35HA2530) site in the Silvies Valley, the RJ site (35HA3013) in the Stinkingwater Mountains, and the Broken Arrow (35HA2735) and Laurie's (35HA2734) sites near Malheur Lake. Studies of the cultural materials recovered during the excavations were undertaken to evaluate the content and complexity of each site. Analyses included typological considerations of the chipped stone tools, ground stone, bone tools, and shell, bone, and stone beads. Radiocarbon dating, obsidian sourcing and hydration, and zooarchaeological and paleobotanical analyses were also conducted when possible. Based on the results of the analyses, the seven sites reported herein were primarily used during the past 2000 years, with periods of less intensive use extending beyond 4000 BP. The results of the archaeological investigations indicate that there is a strong correlation between the late Holocene prehistoric record and Whiting's ethnographic description. However, the relationship between human use of the centrally-located lakes and wetlands and the neighboring uplands is clearly more complex than the ethnographic record suggests. Patterns of settlement and mobility revealed through the archaeological record indicate that central places, located closer to wetlands and lacustrine settings but within relatively easy reach of the uplands, may have figured more prominently in the behavior of prehistoric populations than the seasonal round as described by Whiting. Future research will benefit from explorations of central place foraging, emphasizing the role of behavioral ecology in the placement of sites and patterns of site use within the Harney Valley and the northern Great Basin at large.
Committee in Charge: Dr. C. Melvin Aikens, Chair; Dr. Dennis L. Jenkins; Dr. Douglas J. Kennett; Dr. Esther Jacobson-Tepfer

Bibliography: pages 103-116.
Current archaeological perspectives on the change in Later Iron Age diet and subsistence patterns and the subsequent affect on the economy, are re-examined using isotopic and caries analyses. Existing perspectives have focused mainly on material archaeological evidence and are not reflective of diet at the individual level. Consequently, the focus of archaeological research has been biased towards the importance of cattle in subsistence patterns and the economy, and the role of agriculture has not been as thoroughly investigated. In order to address this problem the isotopic signatures of 72skeletal remains, and the pattern of carious lesions of 44 of those individuals, were examined. The samples were drawn from different ethnic groups and geographical/climatic regions. Skeletons were analysed for both ᵟ¹³C and ᵟ¹⁵ N values in order to better reflect both the level of cultigen consumption and the relative importance of animal protein in the diet. The results were initially examined at an individual level, within the biomes from which they were drawn, to determine subsistence type. The diets of persons and ethnic groups was then compared to archaeological and ethnographical research. Combination of results demonstrates a trend towards more enriched ᵟ¹³C values over time. Although there were differences between individuals diets, there is an overall increasing consumption (and therefore reliance) on domesticated grains, whilst the consumptive levels of animal protein remain relatively constant over the last 1000 years. Consequently, the context of previously undated skeletal material was founded on the trend towards increasing ᵟ¹³C values during the second millennium. The creation of a set of criteria based on pattern, type and extent on carious lesions, has provided a further means of assessing the carbohydrate intake level of individuals. An increase in both ᵟ¹³C values and the incidence of caries during the 18th century, may reflect the introduction of maize in the interior of South Africa, via Delagoa Bay. It is suggested that population growth and increased demand resulted in maize replacing indigenous African cultigens to become a staple food source after this period. In conclusion it is postulated that further re-examination of the current outlook should be undertaken as it is clear from this study that the Later Iron Age is heterogenous with comparable but distinct dietary levels.

La Syrie intérieure est composée d'une mosaïque de milieux et de micromilieux dont les caractéristiques lithologiques, édaphiques et hydrologiques permettent de compenser l'aridité climatique, ou renforcent au contraire les contraintes imposées aux modes de vie et de subsistance, de nos jours comme par le passé. Cette étude multiscalaire - supra‐régionale, régionale et microrégionale - de l'environnement des sites PPNA et PPNB (9 500‐6 500 av. J.‐C.) a permis de comprendre comment ont pu être opérés les choix d'implantation, définies les stratégies de subsistance et l'exploitation des ressources. Au‐delà des critères évidents orientant les choix des lieux d'implantation, tel que l'accès à une ressource en eau, il a été démontré que les communautés néolithiques ont très tôt sélectionné des lieux d'installation bénéficiant de milieux propices aux pratiques agricoles et de terroirs complémentaires permettant de mettre en œuvre des stratégies culturales diversifiées. Leur capacité d'adaptation à un milieu contraignant, le développement progressif des activités agro‐pastorales ainsi que leur maîtrise croissante de l'eau, leur ont permis de coloniser l'ensemble de la Syrie intérieure aux PPNB récent et final. Les prémices du nomadisme pastoral seraient nées dans ce contexte, et dès lors que l'élevage fut maîtrisé, d'une recherche par les groupes mobiles du mode de vie et de subsistance le plus adapté aux contraintes de la steppe. Cette étude a par ailleurs permis de tester à grande échelle - spatiale et temporelle - une méthode d'analyse microrégionale, s'inspirant de la démarche de type Site Exploitation Territory, et d'en faire l'analyse critique avec comme objectif l'élaboration ultérieure d'un modèle d'analyse plus abouti, si possible en concertation avec les spécialistes des disciplines concernées par ces problématiques.

Ce travail à pour but de déterminer le mode d’acquisition des ressources carnées par les groupes d’hominidés au cours du Paléolithique inférieur en Europe. La présence du genre Homo en Europe, antérieur à l’épisode paléomagnétique de Jaramillo est attestée dans plusieurs sites archéologiques. Cette dispersion hors d’Afrique est signalée par des industries lithiques appartenant à l’horizon culturel du Préoldowayen et par des restes squelettiques affiliés au genre Homo. Cette étude est axée sur l’analyse taphonomique et archéozoologique, de trois assemblages fauniques associés à une industrie du mode 1 (Barranco León, Fuente Nueva 3, la grotte du Vallonnet) et un assemblage associé à une industrie du mode 2 (la Caune de l’Arago). Les analyses permettent de comprendre les processus de formation de ces assemblages en contexte de plein air et en grotte et d’estimer la part des agents qui sont intervenus. L’implication des Hommes est attestée dans la modification des carcasses de grands mammifères. Des ossements présentent des stries, qui impliquent que les éclats étaient bien utilisés pour prélever la chair et une fracturation caractéristique, liée à l’éclatement des os par les outils aménagés. L’analyse des assemblages osseux révèle une variabilité des systèmes d’approvisionnement en matière carnée. La comparaison de ces accumulations formées en grotte et en plein air, apportent une meilleure compréhension des comportements de subsistances et permet de proposer un aperçu de la variabilité et de la chronologie des comportements alimentaires des Hommes en Europe méridionale pendant le Pléistocène inférieur et moyen
The purpose of this work is determinated the mode of acquisition of the meat-based resources by the groups of hominids during the lower Palaeolithic in Europe. The presence of the genus Homo in Europe previous to the paleomagnetic Jaramillo event, is attested in several archeological sites. This dispersal outside Africa is indicated by litic industry belonging to the cultural horizon of Préoldowayen and by human fossils affiliated to genus Homo. This study is centred on taphonomical and zooarcheological analysis, of three faunal assemblages associated with a mode 1 industry (Barranco León, Fuente Nueva 3, the Vallonnet cave) and an assemblage associated with a mode 2 industry (Caune de l' Arago). Analyses allow to understand the processes formation of these assemblages in open air site and in cave, and to estimate the part of the agents who intervened. The implication of human is attested in the modification of the carcasses of big mammals. Bones present cutmarks which imply that flakes were used to discard flesh and a characteristic fracturation connected to the percussion of bones by stones tools. The analysis of the bones assemblages reveals a variability of the systems of supply in meat-based subject. The comparison of theses accumulations, bring a better understanding of the subsistences behavior and allows to propose an outline of the variability and the chronology of the eating habits of the Paleolitic People in Southern Europe during Lower and Middle Pleistocene

abstract: The ability of Neandertals to cope with the oscillating climate of the late Pleistocene and the extent to which these climate changes affected local Neandertal habitats remain unanswered anthropological topics of considerable scientific interest. Understanding the impact of climatic instability on Neandertals is critical for reconstructing the behaviors of our closest fossil relatives and possibly identifying factors that contributed to their extinction. My work aimed to test the hypotheses that 1) cold climates stressed Neandertal populations, and 2) that global climate changes affected local Neandertal habitats. An analysis of Neandertal butchering on Cervus elaphus, Rangifer tarandus, and Capreolus capreolus skeletal material deposited during global warm and cold phases from two French sites - Pech de l'Azé IV and Roc de Marsal - was conducted to assess the impact of climate change on butchering strategies and resource extraction. Results from a statistical analysis of surface modification on all marrow yielding long bones, including the 1st phalanx, demonstrated that specimens excavated from the cold levels at each cave have more cut marks (Wald χ2= 51.33, p= <0.001) and percussion marks (Wald χ2= 4.92, p= 0.02) than specimens from the warm levels after controlling for fragment size. These results support the hypothesis that Neandertals were nutritionally stressed during glacial cycles. The hypothesis that global climates affected local habitats was tested through radiogenic strontium isotopic reconstruction of large herbivore mobility patterns (e.g., Bison, Equus, Cervus and Rangifer), because it is known that in the northern hemisphere, mammals migrate less in warm, well-vegetated environments, but more in cold, open environments. Identifying isotopic variation in mammalian fossils enables mobility patterns to be inferred, providing an indication of whether environments at Pech de l'Azé IV and Roc de Marsal tracked global climates. Results from this study indicate that Neandertal prey species within the Dordogne Valley of France did not undertake long distance round-trip migrations in glacial or interglacial cycles, maintaining the possibility that local habitats did not change in differing climatic cycles. However, because Neandertals were nutritionally stressed the most likely conclusion is that glacial cycles decreased herbivore populations, thus stressing Neandertals.
Dissertation/Thesis
Ph.D. Anthropology 2012

碩士
國立暨南國際大學
東南亞學系人類學碩士班
106
Human occupation at Nanshikeng site is dated to be the proto-historic period of Taiwan (800 to 400 B.P.). In order to examine the human subsistence in this region during this time period, the current study aims to analyze archaeological Cervidae remains from the site by using different zooarchaeological techniques such as biometrics, population structure, and butchery mark analysis. The current study first established through analyzing measurements from modern specimens, Formosan Sambar Deer（Cervus unicolor swinhoei） and Formosan Sika Deer（Cervus nippon taiouanus）can not only be identified to species level, but also can be distinguished from their sexual dimorphism. This technique is then applied onto Cervidae remains from Nanshikeng to understand the frequency of different Cervidae population as well as their sex structures. Age structure is examined mainly through the observations of epiphyseal fusion of different long bones. The result suggests that Cervidae, regardless their species, are mostly hunted at its prime. Butchery marks are also recorded and analyzed with the outcome implies that skinning was a regular practice for the people then. The results from different analyses undertake by the current study confirms that various Cervidae species existed in this region during this time period as described by the historical records. Moreover, the outcomes of current study indicate that the occupants of Nanshikeng site may have hunted a significant amount of Cervidae in order to trade deer skin for metal tools, agate beads, and porcelain with the Chinese. It is hoped that this pilot study could shed some lights on the contributions of zooarchaeological methodologies to the understandings of Taiwan’s past.

This dissertation is a study of Late Woodland period (A.D. 400--1100) subsistence and mobility patterns in the Mobile-Tensaw delta of Alabama. My goal was to learn how prehistoric people used this unique central Gulf Coast estuary. Assessing the role of similar environments in settlement models was impossible as basic data---what people ate and how they distributed themselves across the landscape---were unavailable In 1998 and 1999 I excavated six sites. Four are on natural levees in the deltaic lowlands and two are on the adjacent upland bluffs. All six were occupied in the summer and fall. People at lowland sites gathered clams, captured turtles, and exploited a particular suite of seven kinds of fish, including schooling juveniles amenable to net capture. People collected nuts, fruits, and wild weedy and starchy plants. They also grew minor amounts of corn. Resources in adjacent areas---freshwater rivers and the coast---were ignored in preference to those that could be captured in the estuary Preservation conditions are poor at upland sites, but it people seem consumed the same kinds of animals as when in the lowlands. Clams, however, are conspicuously absent. Unlike lowland sites, stone tools and chipping debris are common on the bluffs. The use of a quartzite only found north of the delta implies people in the uplands exploited a broader range of territory than they did when in the lowlands Major technological and sociopolitical change occurred in the delta at about A.D. 1200. Some archaeologists speculate the cause was a migration of people from Moundville. I assess this claim using data from the Little Lizard Creek site. Faunal data show remarkable continuity, but pottery changed radically. The data, however, are too equivocal to attribute to migration, and the gradualist paradigm may need revising
acase@tulane.edu

This study explores the nature of late pre-contact settlement-subsistence activity (1400/1000 - 200 B.P.) on Valdes Island, a large southern Gulf Island in the Gulf of Georgia region of the Northwest Coast. Settlement-subsistence patterns on Valdes Island demonstrate an economic orientation toward exploiting critical resource locations in the marine environment, specifically sandy intertidal environments and tidal streams, where populations aggregated to collect predictable, localized and abundant coastal resources, particularly shellfish and Pacific herring. The diversity of shell middens (or shell matrix sites (cf. Claasen 1998)) on Valdes Island agree with patterns of logistical mobility indicative of a "collector strategy" (cf. Binford 1980). The majority of small-sized, shallow shell matrix sites on Valdes Island represent limited-activity sites, such as shellfish resource-processing locations and task-specific field camps, where specific, highly localized resources in the coastal environment were collected. Large, deep, highly-stratified shell matrix sites on Valdes Island - several of which are identified as ethnographic Central Coast Salish Halkomelem winter villages - represent long-term residential bases located to maximize access multiple, overlapping coastal resource zones in proximity to the tidal streams and sandy foreshore environments of the southwest coast. This settlement study identifies an important strategy Central Coast Salish populations used to engage the highly variable, locally diverse nature of subsistence resources in the Gulf of Georgia was to strategically position settlement locations at dense, biologically-diverse marine micro-environments. This settlement strategy enabled these complex hunter-gatherer populations to generate economic surplus for subsistence, exchange and feasting, and provided the economic base for competition among elites.

碩士
國立暨南國際大學
東南亞學系人類學碩士班
104
Siliau site is located between Hsiaying and Madou District in Tainan County, on the northern alluvial plain of Zengwun River. The 2006-2010 excavations recovered a wealth of cultural and ecological remains. This provided evidence for three prehistoric periods, Fine Cord-Marked Pottery Culture （3700 ~ 3300 B.P.）, Ta-hu culture （2800 ~ 1400 B.P.） and Niao-sung Culture （1400 ~ 300 B.P.）, which had occupied the site. However, Taiwanese archaeology emphasizes more on the analysis of cultural remains and its primary purpose aims to explore the cultural developments. Therefore, ecological remains are relatively less studied. The diversity and abundancy of ecological remains found in this site provide critical evidence to understand prehistoric subsistence patterns. Since the site was adjacent to ancient Dao-feng Inland Sea area, the palaeoenvironment has been affected by many natural factors, e.g. geological formation, sea and river changes. Therefore, this thesis intends to examine the macro and micro environmental changes in Siliau Site to understand how fauna resources were exploited during different time periods. The mammal bones excavated in Pit 60-66 are sampled with zooarchaeological methods and approaches, together with other excavated ecological remains and tools. It aims to clarify how prehistoric communities in Siliau Site adjusted their survival strategies adapt environmental changes across three thousand years.