Faunal Remains from Point San Jose: Analysis of Butchery Patterns and Implications for Site Context

Summary

The analysis of butchered archaeofaunal specimens from historic sites can lend important insight into diet, food preparation, discard practices, and socioeconomic status. In this study, we examine faunal specimens found commingled with human remains from a pit associated with a 19th century historic army hospital located in Point San Jose, California. The specific aim of this study is to relate observed butchery patterns on the faunal remains to diet and socioeconomic status at the site. Patterns of butchering are compared to two other historic assemblages in California, as well as historic accounts of army food rations and butchery practices. The results of this study will provide a deeper understanding of the role of the army hospital pit and the site in general, and has greater implications for interpreting butchery patterns in the archaeological record.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21716