SNN116229 - An investigation of the origins of cattle and aurochs deposited in the Early bronze Age barrows at Gayhurst and Irthlingborough

Please read our .

Type Article
Title An investigation of the origins of cattle and aurochs deposited in the Early bronze Age barrows at Gayhurst and Irthlingborough
Author/Originator
Date/Year 2010

Abstract/Summary

The Early Bronze Age round barrows at Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire and Gayhurst, Buckinghamshire contained remarkably large quantities of cattle (Bos taurus) remains. At Irthlingborough, at least 185 skulls with smaller numbers of mandibles, shoulder blades and pelves were found together with a small number of skeletal elements from aurochs (Bos primigenius). In contrast, the remains from Gayhurst are dominated by the limb bones from more than 300 animals. This study employed strontium isotope ratio analysis of cattle tooth enamel from 15 cattle and one aurochs to investigate the diversity of the animals' origins at both sites and provide insights into Early Bronze Age funerary practices. Although strontium results show that most of the cattle and the aurochs included in this study were consistent with local origins, one animal from each barrow was born remotely, most likely in western Britain. In addition, a second Gayhurst animal was consistent with origins in a region of chalk rather than the local Jurassic sediments.

External Links (0)

Description

Digital copy only

Location

WNC Archives and Heritage Service HER Library

Referenced Monuments (1)

  • Barrow mound and ditches (Barrow 1), Irthlingborough (Monument)

Referenced Events (0)

Record last edited

Mar 18 2024 9:58AM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any questions or more information about this record? Please feel free to comment below with your name and email address. All comments are submitted to the website maintainers for moderation, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible. Comments, questions and answers that may be helpful to other users will be retained and displayed along with the name you supply. The email address you supply will never be displayed or shared.