Zaria Cooper
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Research Mentor(s): Alicia Ventresca Miller
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Anthropology / LSA
Program:
Authors: Zaria Cooper, Kara Larson, Daniel R. Garner , Alicia R. Ventresca-Miller
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 44
Abstract
Archaeological research, especially scientific methods depend on our ability to separate animals by species. In this case, we hope to analyze the bone collagen of Ovis aries (sheep) and Capra hircus (goat) at the Medieval site of Bardha’a in Azerbaijan. While our eventual goal is to understand variation in landscape use and herd management strategies for each of these species, it has been challenging to determine morphological differences between sheep and goats. Therefore, we will analyze the collagen of these animals through Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS). This method allows us to use a strong analytic technique for taxonomic identification. In addition we will also experiment with a newer method of morphological identification from anthropologists Zeder and Pilaar, so we can determine which factors might permit osteological differentiation between sheep and goat remains. Ultimately, we hope to be able to add data to either support or invalidate this well known method, and provide more research about Azerbaijan during the medieval period.
