Entre mouros e cristãos: primeiros dados sobre a zooarqueologia do Castelo de Aracena (Huelva, Espanha)

Abstract

The main objective of this work is the characterization of the livestock and hunting activities practiced in the Castle of Aracena, between the 10th and 16th centuries. The results show the predominance of domestic animals: pigs, goats, sheep and cattle, but also equids and poultry. The presence of animals such as deer and wild boar suggests that hunting would be a complementary activity. Rabbit and several carnivores were also identified. Fragments of marine molluscs and fishes testify to their occasional consumption. Age estimation suggest different treatment of animals. Bone modifications show the processing of carcasses for food purposes and, sometimes, of tendons, skins, and utensils’ production. The relative homogeneity of the main taxa throughout the occupations, and the abundance of swine, something rare in Islamic contexts, allow two realities: either faunal deposits related to Christian occupations, or an atypical Islamic community.