Global Integrative Studies, School of
Date of this Version
6-19-2004
Document Type
Article
Citation
NORSEC 17 (June 1, 2004)
NORSEC Zooarchaeology Laboratories Report, number 17 (June 1, 2004)
Undir Junkarinsflotti 03
A product of the North Atlantic Biocultural Organization (NABO) Research Cooperative and the Leverhulme Trust “Landscapes circum Landnám” Project
Abstract
Cooperative international excavations at the site of Undir Junkarinsfløtti (27020) in the village of Sandur on the island of Sandoy, Faroe Islands in May 2003 recovered a stratified bone - rich midden deposit extending from the Viking Age to the early medieval period. The animal bone collection contains domestic mammals (cattle, sheep, dog, goat, and pig) and substantial amounts of fish (mainly cod), birds (mainly puffin and guillemot), and shellfish (mainly limpet). While the current collection has the archaeological limitations inherent in column samples, it suggests persistence of substantial pig keeping into the 13th c, and strongly indicates a sustainable exploitation of sea bird colonies as well as some preparation of preserved fish on site. The site has considerable potential for shedding light on early Faroese economy and the environmental impact of the local Viking age settlers.
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Animal Studies Commons, Biological and Physical Anthropology Commons, Geography Commons, International and Area Studies Commons
Comments
Copyright 2004, the authors. Used by permission.