Preserved meat supplies or slaughterhouse waste disposal? Zooarchaeology of the Valparaiso Fiscal Mole, Chile

Summary

This paper discusses the zooarchaeological evidence of S3-4 PV, an extensive submerged wharf site located contiguous to the remains of the Fiscal Mole of the Port of Valparaiso, in the central coast of Chile (32°S). This concrete and iron pile-supported facility was a major port infrastructure preferentially employed by the line steamers arriving regularly at Valparaiso during the period c.1884-1925. Through underwater archaeology excavations, numerous domestic animal bones were recovered and taphonomically analyzed for butchering patterns and diet information. The data obtained from the zooarchaeological analyses and documentary evidence suggest that the sample represents primarily preserved meat supplies packed for storage and later consumption as well as food refuse. By integrating archaeological, taphonomic and environmental evidence, we aim to stimulate further discussion on site formation processes of bone assemblages in harbours while providing new information on victualling activities and food practices onboard during late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions) 2018   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 838